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Petition · past parliament

For every new teacher to learn about Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Closed 6,773 signatures

What the petition asks

We are calling on the Government to include Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) as part of any initial teacher training package. All trainee teachers should learn about SLCN so that they are able to adapt their teaching strategies and fully support their students to succeed and achieve.
In English Schools 20.9% of all children on Special Educational Needs (SEN) support & 14% of children that have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have SLCN (DfE Schools, pupils and their characteristics: January 2016). Language Impairment is seven times more common than other developmental conditions such as autism (SCALES study 2016). Including SLCN on any initial teacher training package would raise awareness & allow new teachers to feel more confident at identifying these children.

Timeline

26 Jul 2016 Petition opened for signatures
26 Jan 2017 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 6,773
Status Closed
Opened 26 Jul 2016
Closed 26 Jan 2017

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.