Local NHS Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare, has hosted Stephen Morgan MP at Arundel Court School today (2 May) - to learn more about the Trust’s new Early Language Support for Every Child (ELSEC) team.
The Portsmouth South MP learned more about the 2-year pilot programme - jointly funded by NHS England and the Department for Education - which aims to support families with young children in Portsmouth (and eight other locations across the UK). He met the team in action at Arundel Court School, working directly with primary school pupils to improve early identification and support for those who need help with their language skills.
Louise McLean, ELSEC Programme Manager, explained: “The importance of language development in supporting children in so many aspects of their lives - from emotional regulation and communication to relationships and academic success - is widely recognised. However, children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) are at higher risk of poor educational and social outcomes. Studies show that children with language difficulties at age five are less likely to meet expected academic standards by the end of primary school. Despite this, many children start school without adequate language skills, particularly in certain areas of the UK.
“However, timely support from our team can help many children with early language difficulties. We are a flexible, responsive speech and language workforce embedded within nurseries and primary schools whose goal is to provide early intervention and support – helping the child sooner, whilst also reducing the need for costly specialist referrals later.”