Unlocking Language

Read the full article here inews.co.uk/news/send-pare…

Too many children with speech, language and communication needs are falling through the cracks. Not because their needs are not valid but because the system is not built to support them. Families are exhausted. Your postcode decides your future. EHCPs are now the only way in. Early assessment and interventions are significantly reduced. As @ShermeenaRabbi said: “We’re firefighting when we should be building” as she discusses this in the @theipaper article today. At Unlocking Language, we are doing everything we can. But we need a system that puts children first. The article link in the first comment

What’s Going On With EHCPs? And Why Should You Care! (In Depth Thread) If you’ve got a child with special educational needs, or you’re someone working closely with children, EHCP is a term you’ve probably heard a lot. It stands for Education, Health and Care Plan, and it’s meant to outline the support a child or young person needs to thrive in school and beyond. But here’s the thing: a lot of families and professionals feel EHCPs just aren’t working the way they should, especially when it comes to Speech and Language Therapy. So what’s the EHCP system supposed to do? EHCPs are legally binding documents that bring together education, health, and social care needs in one plan. They’re supposed to act as a clear roadmap for support individual, timely, and tailored. In theory? Brilliant. In practice? Often slow, frustrating, and full of red tape. What's the current status? Right now, the EHCP system in England is under review and not without controversy. A leaked government contract suggests a target to cut down EHCPs by 20%, raising concerns that some children may lose access to support. The government says it’s trying to manage growing costs (supporting SEND services costs over £11 billion a year), and wants to focus EHCPs only on children with the most “complex needs.” At the same time, ministers are promising: A standardised EHCP template Earlier interventions Better access to specialists like Speech and Language Therapists And less postcode lottery between councils So there are positives but also a real risk that children who don’t meet an increasingly narrow definition of “high need” could miss out. Why EHCPs matter, especially for Speech and Language Therapy? So many children struggle with communication. It’s not always visible but it can affect everything: learning, behaviour, friendships, even confidence. Speech and Language Therapy changes lives, but only if it’s accessible and early. EHCPs help secure this kind of targeted support. For many families, it's the only way to get consistent SLT input in schools. Without EHCPs? We risk a system that relies on luck and location, not need. Unlocking Language’s take We get it, EHCPs aren’t perfect. But scrapping or reducing them isn’t the answer. What we need is: 1. Better training for schools Teachers should be confident spotting early speech and language challenges, not just waiting for referrals. 2. More funding for SLT in mainstream schools Many kids don’t need “complex needs” support, they just need timely, skilled help. Let’s not ignore them. 3. A real partnership between families and professionals EHCPs should be made with parents and therapists, not in isolation. 4. Local accountability Let’s stop the postcode lottery. A child in Kent should have the same fair access as a child in Newcastle. What can YOU do? Ask questions: If you're a parent or educator, learn what goes into an EHCP and push for SLT involvement where needed. Speak up: If changes worry you, write to your MP or local council. Team up with professionals who care: At Unlocking Language, we help families understand and navigate EHCPs, because no child should be left behind when it comes to communication.

It’s been over a year since we were on twitter… sorry we mean X! We are excited to be back on this platform to talk about all things #speechandlanguagetherapy related. Lots to catch up on and looking forward to reconnecting with everyone.

RCSLT is piloting leadership placements in summer 2023. We are offering four students a two-week placement which covers leadership theories and experiences. Find out more and apply: tinyurl.com/RCSLTLeadershi… #slt2bs

Calling all SLTs, SLT assistants, SLT apprentices & students on pre-registration speech & language therapy courses who have a disability, whether or not you have a formal diagnosis! Please take part in our Disability in the workplace survey: rcslt.org/news/disabilit…

@RCSLT @SteveJamieson12 @RCSLTpolicy @Nick_Hewer @IrmaDonaldson19 @rcsltscot @RCSLTNI @RCSLTWales @Caramd10 Sure, the profession needs more central funding, but I think we also need to take a look at service delivery models, working hours, conditions and pay that will attract talent and retain staff. Is there a link to the full report?

@AcquireSLT I want one signed please - congratulations!!

These arrived last week but only just gathering the courage to open & have a proper look! This time last year I had writer’s block and was crippled with self doubt. But for the pep talks from some very dear people this would not have come to fruition. Forever grateful.

The excitement and sense of achievement when some of my SEMH students finished these was 👌🏼Amazing to see their development in collaborate working and problem-solving! Well done guys 🔥 #SEMH #SLCN #SLT @BeormundSchool

You voted, I listened 😃 Laryngeal muscles. Part 1 of a series! Coming next… laryngeal muscle functions. Thanks @JenButlerSLT for the tips! #laryngeal #muscles #ScienceTwitter #anatomy #procreateart #drawing #AcademicTwitter #student #slt #larynx #voice #revision #slt2be #art

Calling all #SLPeeps & #SLT2B - this programme by @chris_kammy about his recent diagnosis of #Apraxia of Speech might be of interest. #RCSLTAwards winner @MikeysWish_VDA also features! Broadcast: ITV1, Tuesday 13 December, 9.15pm. itv.com/presscentre/ep…

'SEND children are the most vulnerable - and the most exposed' | Tes Magazine tes.com/magazine/analy…

What a brilliant resource! I can’t wait to check this out 😯 #slt #rcslt #student #revision #assessment

Have you got your tickets for our upcoming #selectivemutism CEN in January all about assessing the SLCN of chn and YP with SM? We would love to see you! #mysltday #edutwitter #mystudentsltday ⁦@RCSLT⁩ eventbrite.co.uk/e/assessing-th…

THIS IS BIG NEWS, today a broad group of cross-party parliamentarians back calls for investment in the specialist SEND workforce. The Government must publish a specialist workforce plan in their upcoming response to the SEND Green Paper. #SENDInTheSpecialists RT if you agree!

The evidence for using thickened fluids in dysphagia/EDS management is evolving. We want to hear from #SLTs working in this area to understand your views on their usage & are recruiting 3 lead authors & a working group. Applications deadline: 8/1/23: bit.ly/thickenedfluids

Lovely graphic, thank you! @UCL_MScSLS - we were talking about these on Monday

Did you know that over 60% of young people who have offended, or who are at risk of offending, have speech, language & communication needs. Today @lilacCourt is at the @AssnYOTmanagers conference to discuss how to better support young people #justice #TheBox #communication #DLD

🤔Could #EMST improve breath support, cough & mucus clearance in #laryngectomy ? And would that improve tracheoesophageal voice? 🤯 We want to find out! Recruiting now to our EMST pilot at @CityLCS Please spread the word to your voice prosthesis users. More info below! 👇