MP backs call for children's workforce to be supported in dealing with students with communication difficulties

2.15.22pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 16th Jan 2008

Mark is backing the TCT's campaign

Mark Hunter local MP for the Cheadle constituency is backing the campaign for greater support from the Government for the Communication Trust (TCT), who help teachers and other individuals working with children, to develop new skills and a greater understanding of children's speech, language and communication difficulties

Mr Hunter signed an Early Day Motion in Parliament (295) which congratulates the TCT on their excellent work and calls on the Government to do more to support teachers and other working with children in helping children learn how to communicate more effectively.

The results of a recent YouGov poll, carried out on behalf of the TCT found that an astonishing 73% of teaching staff have not had Special Educational Needs (SEN) training which covers speech, language and communication (SLC) and on an average of only 31% of teaching staff who have children with SEN have had specific training for SLC.

The TCT is hoping to change this by raising awareness of speech, language and communication difficulties across the entire children's workforce. They also work to enable the children's workforce to gain access to the skills and knowledge to support the speech, language and communication development of all children, and to promote the delivery of effective training opportunities to enhance provision for children with SLCN.

Speaking on this issue Mark Hunter said: "This isn't an issue that only affects a small number of children; on average three children in each primary school classroom suffer from communication difficulties that often go unnoticed and un-helped in our classrooms because of lack of training for children's workers.

Those that work with children want this training but the Government has failed to provide it. The work of organizations such as the Communication Trust is therefore vital in helping not only to raise the profile of the challenges facing children with communication difficulties, but also to support teachers and promote their training in this area.

I can only hope that the Government take a leaf out of their book and look at how they can best support and train teachers so that they can help these children achieve their full potential".