Working with Local Authorities

I CAN, the children’s communication charity, uses its expertise from working directly with children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) to develop information packages, training, programmes, conferences, research materials and campaigns designed to develop the communication skills of all children.

I CAN has launched a guide for local authorities at the 2007 LGA annual conference and exhibition. Entitled Every Child Chatters, the guide includes a foreword written by Councillor Les Lawrence, Chair of the LGA Children and Young People Board.  It illustrates how I CAN’s expertise can be harnessed by Local Authorities to support children with speech, language and communication difficulties through partnership working; early intervention; training and workforce development; and by encouraging and supporting parents.  Download a PDF copy of the guide here.

Communication Skills Centres

I CAN’s runs two Communication Skills Centres which provide independent assessment of children communication skills and their impact on learning. Through outreach and consultancy, they aim to support Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Local Education Authorities and families to understand the needs of each child to ensure that they get the support they need. 

The Communication Skills Centres provide independent assessments of a child’s communication skills and the impact of these on learning. Each assessment helps families, local authorities and other professionals understand the communication and learning needs of the child, ensuring they get the appropriate specialist support they need to make progress.

Assessments are carried out collaboratively by drawing upon professional expertise of the staff at I CAN specialist schools and include a speech and language therapist, teacher, educational psychologist and occupational therapist.

Assessments are available for children aged 4-19 years old and fees will be paid by purchasers including Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts, Local Education Authorities or by families directly if they cannot access the support they need from statutory services.

To arrange an assessment or get more information contact your nearest Communications Skills Centre below:

Nottinghamshire: 01623 795361 dawnhouse@ican.org.uk

Surrey: 01932 872302 meath@ican.org.uk 

Targeting Talk

Targeting Talk is a unique online resource developed in partnership with Serco Education Services to provide primary school staff with the confidence, knowledge and tools to accurately assess and develop pupils’ speaking, listening and language skills and development.

Early Talk

Early Talk is a UK wide programme specifically developed for nurseries and settings that provide day care and/or education to children under five. Its aim is to promote communication-supportive environments for all children and to ensure effective pre-school provision for children with SLCN.  I CAN Early Talk supports the themes in early years policies throughout the UK by offering a programme of advisory support, information and professional development delivered in partnership with children’s services.The Early Talk website can be found at www.ican.org.uk/earlytalk  

Primary Talk

Primary Talk is a staff development and a school transformation package. It accredits schools for developing communication rich environments in order to support all children including those with speech, language and communication needs.


For further information about I CAN's services, resources and expertise, call 0845 225 4073 or email info@ican.org.uk 

For regular email updates from I CAN, register here.