Speech, Language & Communication Needs (SLCN)
- SLCN is the most common primary need type in primary schools
- Around 10% of all children have some form of communication difficulty
- In areas of social disadvantage, up to 50% of children start school with delayed language
- Early intervention in speech and language has some of the strongest evidence of any SEN support
What is Speech & Language?
SLCN is the most common type of SEN in primary schools. It covers a wide range of difficulties — from trouble pronouncing words clearly, to not understanding what others are saying, to finding it hard to express thoughts and feelings.
Around 10% of all children have some form of SLCN. For most, the right support helps them make excellent progress. Some children have short-term difficulties they grow out of; others have more persistent needs.
It's important to know that SLCN is not about intelligence. A child may be very clever but struggle to put their thoughts into words, or understand complex instructions. This can be incredibly frustrating for them.
👀 What you might notice
- Being difficult to understand, especially for people who don't know them
- Leaving out sounds in words or replacing them with other sounds
- Stammering or getting stuck on words
- Speaking in a monotone or unusual rhythm
- Not following instructions, especially when they have several steps
- Seeming to 'tune out' or not listen — but they may genuinely not understand
- Answering questions incorrectly because they didn't understand what was asked
- Finding it hard to understand stories or abstract ideas
- Using shorter sentences or fewer words than children their age
- Struggling to find the right word (saying 'thing' or 'that' a lot)
- Finding it hard to tell a story in the right order
- Getting frustrated because they can't say what they want to say
- Finding it hard to join in conversations, take turns in talking, or stay on topic
How schools can help
Regular sessions with a speech and language therapist (SALT), either individually or in groups
Using pictures, symbols, and visual timetables to support understanding
Teachers using shorter sentences, key words, and checking understanding
Introducing new words before a lesson so your child is prepared
Structured opportunities to practise speaking in a safe setting
Giving your child longer to think before expecting an answer
🏠 What you can do at home
- Get down to their eye level and give them your full attention when they're talking
- Slow down your own speech and use shorter sentences
- Give them time to respond — count to 10 in your head before repeating a question
- Read together every day, even for just 10 minutes — talking about the pictures helps
- Expand what they say: if they say 'big dog', you say 'yes, that's a big brown dog!'
- Don't correct their speech directly — just model the right way of saying it back to them
🤝 Organisations that can help
🔗 Related conditions
SEN types often overlap. Your child may have more than one area of need. Here are conditions commonly linked to Speech & Language:
Note: This guide is for general information only. Every child is unique, and SEN types often overlap. If you have concerns about your child, speak to your child's school SENCO and your GP. For legal advice on SEN rights, contactIPSEA (free).