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The X-cluded Factor

20 November 2007


As the government unveils new £billion plans to improve skills and tackle social exclusion in young people and adults, a new report released today by children’s communication charity I CAN and the BT Better World campaign, has identified speech, language and communication as the missing link in the social exclusion chain.  

I CAN and BT Better World’s Language and Social Exclusion report has found that nearly two thirds of children and young people at risk of social exclusion will have undetected speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and behavioural difficulties.  It documents, for the first time, the impact of children’s SLCN on their future life chances.

Depending on its severity children with SLCN are at risk of educational underachievement and problems with literacy.  They have difficulty interacting with their peers and are at risk of bullying.  Anti-social and criminal behaviour and future mental health and self-esteem problems can follow.

In some socially disadvantaged parts of the UK, evidence suggests that between 50 and 80% of children are arriving at primary school with delayed language.  These children are lacking the speech and language skills they need to learn and make friends. Evidence suggests these difficulties can then persist throughout their school career.  On top of this, 10% of this group, which equates to 1.2 million or three in every average UK classroom, are going on to have long term and complex communication disabilities.

Melanie Cross , the report’s author, says “Communication is the missing link in the social exclusion chain. It is imperative that the role of speech and language is considered in every social exclusion scenario.  Children with SLCN often struggle to contribute in school, succeed in job interviews or fulfil their potential.

“Good speech, language and communication skills equal good life chances. It is that simple.  Without them, children struggle to interact socially, manage their emotions, negotiate, problem solve and resolve conflict - all of these skills rely heavily on language.

“Equally, we need to make sure that vulnerable people already in ‘the system’ receive all the help and support they need.  For example, we know that on average 60% of young offenders have SLCN.  Unless these vulnerable young people are screened for SLCN – and have their needs met – it is probable that they will experience the revolving door of offending and re-offending and face a lifetime of exclusion.”

Virginia Beardshaw, I CAN Chief Executive, adds : “Communication is the 21st century life skill - the bedrock on which everything else rests.  Children who find language hard find life hard.  This report clearly shows that developing children’s speech, language and communication skills early is vital and can help children avoid a lifetime of exclusion. 

“ We are at a tipping point in children’s policy.  The Social Exclusion Taskforce and the Youth Taskforce are developing 10 year Action Plans.  Ofsted has new responsibilities to inspect children’s services.  And the DCSF is preparing its Children’s Plan.  I CAN wants to see children’s speech, language and communication needs embedded within all these initiatives to help deliver better outcomes for children and young people.  

“As a nation, we cannot afford to risk sentencing children to a career path that takes them from ASBO to NEET and from Pupil Referral Unit to Her Majesty’s Prison via the Young Offenders Institution just because we can’t address their speech and language needs.”  

For further information :

Please contact Gemma Hollingshead or Laura Smith in I CAN’s press office on 020 7843 2543/ 07766651366. Case studies available. Interviews available with Melanie Cross, author of the report and Virginia Beardshaw, I CAN Chief Executive.

Email: media@ican.org.uk

Notes to editors:

1. Three studies; Cohen et al, 1998, Heneker, 2005 and Bryan, 2007 (all cited in Language and Social Exclusion, 2007) show that between 30 and 90% of socially excluded people have undetected communication difficulties. We have used a mean figure of 60%.                

  • I CAN is the children’s communication charity. We work to develop communication skills in all children, with a particular focus on those with a communication disability.

  • I CAN and BT Better World’s Language and Social Exclusion report is available from here.

  • I CAN’s upcoming SOCIAL EXCLUSION: The role of speech, language and communication in supporting social inclusion conference, supported by the BT Better World Campaign, takes place on Wednesday 28 November 2007 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. For more information log onto www.ican.org.uk/conferences  

  • Make Chatter Matter, supported by the BT Better World campaign and Openreach, is

I CAN’s UK-wide awareness-raising campaign to highlight the importance of children’s communications development as the foundation for all future learning. For more information, log onto www.ican.org.uk/makechattermatter 

  • BT and I CAN believe that communication is the key enabling life skill.  Speech, language and communication underpin all children’s life chances.  Both organisations share common policy objectives of building skills and supporting young people.  This natural synergy enables BT and I CAN to amplify its joint voice to reach greater numbers of children, families and professionals.

  • Together, the BT Better World Campaign and I CAN are using their skills and expertise to tool-up parents, carers and the children’s workforce; providing them with the knowledge and confidence they need as well as supporting children’s communication at every age and stage of development.

The partnership operates under the umbrella of I CAN’s Make Chatter Matter campaign which aims to make children’s communication development a priority for policy-makers,professionals and the community at large.



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