Language and level speech. Plan: Introduction

1. summary of why early language and communication matters and the scale of the
problem in England
2. ‘model example’ for an integrated early years speech, language and communication
pathway built on evidence and implementation experience
3. 4-step implementation plan to help local areas review local needs and service
provision to support the development and successful implementation of a whole
system approach to improving speech, language and communication (SLC)
The development of the guidance has been supported and guided by an Expert
Advisory Group (EAG), consisting of leading experts in the field of speech, language
and communication in the early years (see Appendix A for a list of members). Public
Health England (PHE) and the DfE have also worked closely with practitioners and
academics in developing the guidance, as well as learning from the many local areas in England that are already delivering good examples of services working together to meet the needs of children with SLCN and promote SLC development in preschool children.
This guidance is published alongside:
• ‘Best start in speech, language and communication: supporting evidence’ which
presents a summary of the underpinning evidence, key drivers and components of
effective interventions for children’s speech, language and communication
• ‘Best start in speech, language and communication: case studies’ - a collection of
case studies from sites in England, peer reviewed by our EAG, which provide
examples of how an integrated system can work in practice.