Language and level speech. Plan: Introduction

Logic model to support the implementation of a speech, language and communication pathway.


Need:

1. 
   Too many children in reception year do not achieve at least the expected levels across all goals in ‘communication and language’ and ‘literacy’ areas of learning. Children with persistent SLCN are not consistently identified and supported;
   
2. 
   Competing priorities and pressures for those responsible for commissioning local SLC services;
   
3. 
   Lack of joined up (strategic and service level) evidence-based services for children, meaning SLCN are missed;
   
4. 
   Some professionals require more support in developing and maximising opportunities to identify and support SLCN;
   
5. 
   Some low-income caregivers can face challenges in supporting their children's vocabulary development, contributing to an income-related word gap that is already present before the age of 3 - these families are likely to require more intensive support in developing knowledge and maximising opportunities to support their child’s home learning and may experience barriers to accessing services
   

Input:

1. 
   National and local funding for early years and health, including the early years (EY) entitlements, Public Health Grant and EYs social mobility programme, which includes: Hungry Little Minds (to support the home learning environment) SLC Pathway Early language assessment tool Health visitor training programme Professional Development Programme (for EY settings);
   
2. 
   Reforms to the Early Years Foundation Stage and Ofsted Inspections. Modernisation of the Healthy Child Programme;