The Bercow Report

A Review of Services for Children and Young People (0–19) with Speech, Language and Communication Needs

This report makes recommendations to Government about the steps it should take to transform provision for and the experiences of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and their families. These recommendations are the culmination of ten months of extensive evidence gathering and analysis, as well as consultation with a wide range of stakeholders.

During the Review we identified five key themes – issues that need to be addressed for real change and improvement to happen. Our recommendations are gathered under these five themes:

● Communication is crucial;
● Early identification and intervention are essential;
● A continuum of services designed around the family is needed;
● Joint working is critical; and
● The current system is characterised by high variability and a lack of equity.