Talk Matters

Total Investment: 3 million across three years

Children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) are at a higher risk of behavioural problems, poor mental health and poorer outcomes later in life: 

• 81 per cent of children with behavioural disorders have unidentified speech, language and communication needs.   

• Children with vocabulary difficulties at age 5 are twice as likely to be unemployed in adulthood 

• 60 per cent of young offenders have low language skills  

In 2023, the VRU launched the Talk Matters programme, which supports speech, language and communication needs in primary school pupils.  

The aim is to identify learning gaps for children with speech and language needs early, to ensure they get early and effective support. 

It will form a key part of the VRU's overarching policy work to champion and invest in inclusive practices in schools through London's Inclusion Charter (see below).

Talk Matters is being delivered in:  

• Bexley  

• Havering 

• Lambeth 

• Lewisham  

• Southwark 

• Sutton  

• Waltham Forest 

Over three years, each local authority will work with 10 primary schools to develop and commission a locally specific approach to improving oracy. This includes: 

• A whole-school strategy to develop the speech, language and communication of all pupils.

• Targeted support for pupils who need additional help.

• Initiatives to improve pupil wellbeing and parent/carer engagement. 

By improving pupils’ oracy we aim to improve their ability to communicate their needs, reduce the risk of poor behaviour and improve engagement in education, leading to improved educational outcomes.