On March 11, 2025, Canford Heath Infant and Junior School proudly opened two new speech and language bases aimed at addressing the increasing communication needs of children aged 4 to 11. This initiative is part of BCP Council's commitment to providing sufficient special school places within the community.
The new facilities are set to accommodate up to 35 children and are equipped with dedicated speech and language therapists, tasked with supporting the students during lessons. Councillor Richard Burton, the BCP Council portfolio holder for children and young people, highlighted the importance of these bases during the opening ceremony, stating, "Every child deserves the best chances to learn, and so this is a very welcome day." He emphasized how this development takes the council another step closer to their goal of creating sufficient educational opportunities for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Burton elaborated on the impact of local education, noting, "The base means more children with speech, language, and communication needs can be educated with their peers, reducing disruption to their lives." This sentiment was echoed by Kate Carter, CEO of TEACH Poole. She remarked, "Speech, language, and communication are the bedrock of learning, social interaction, and emotional well-being." Carter projected the bases would significantly benefit many children, enabling them to develop the communication skills necessary to thrive socially and emotionally.
The opening of these facilities has come at a time when teachers across the nation are expressing growing concerns about the decline of speech and language skills among students since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has complicated the teaching process. According to a YouGov poll conducted between January and February 2025, 89% of teachers reported noted declines in speech and language abilities among pupils, with 92% saying this deterioration has made their job increasingly challenging.
Crispin Chatterton, director of education at Renaissance, which commissioned the poll, asserted the importance of oracy, stating, "If children lack the ability to communicate effectively, every aspect of their school experience suffers." This poll surveyed over 1,021 teachers, including primary and secondary school educators, and revealed alarming statistics about the state of communication skills among children just starting school.
Specifically, the survey indicated about 44% of primary teachers believe up to one-fifth of their pupils struggle to communicate at the expected level, with another 37% claiming the problem affects two-fifths of students. Many believe these issues manifest early, with 48% of educators citing the problems often becoming apparent as soon as children begin school.
Notably, the poll highlighted how speech and language problems can sometimes be mistaken for academics or behavioral issues, complicate assessment and intervention strategies. About 46% of respondents stated they often find it difficult to differentiate between communication struggles and difficulties related to reading and math, and 27% reported these issues are often misidentified as behavioral challenges.
Teachers attribute various factors to this decline, with 58% stating reduced conversation at home as the primary culprit. Other contributing aspects cited include increased screen time and social media distractions, with 47% blaming a rise in screen usage and 44% pointing to declining real-life conversations.
Geoff Barton, chair of the Oracy Commission, emphasized the urgent need for awareness and action, stating, "Language, in all its forms, matters. And in an age when everyone is cross about everything, high-quality talk and active listening have never mattered more." He pointed out how the Oracy Commission had previously called for improved training and curriculum changes to prioritize speaking and listening alongside traditional academic subjects.
Martin Galway from the National Literacy Trust reinforced this sentiment, highlighting how the decline stems from multiple societal factors, including the continued impact of Covid-19. He said, “Learning to talk and communicate during early years forms the foundation for all literacy skills, helping children thrive.” Galway also noted the aim of their campaign, which seeks to connect community stakeholders to bolster early language skills among disadvantaged groups, helping flatten the literacy gap nationally.
The actions taken by Canford Heath school, as part of BCP Council's initiatives, represent meaningful strides toward addressing these burgeoning issues surrounding communication skills among the youngest learners. The importance of speech and language, as emphasized by educational leaders, remains pivotal to enhancing educational outcomes and social well-being among children. Through collective efforts among schools, communities, and families, there is hope for reversing the observed declines and equipping future generations with the necessary skills to engage and thrive.