Petition · past parliament

Make it compulsory for schools to employ a speech and language therapist.

Closed 1,210 signatures

What the petition asks

Most children with special educational needs (SEN) will at some point require access to a speech and language therapist. Currently only children with an EHCP are guaranteed this service. By funding a schools universal offer in this way you can save money by reducing the number of EHCP’s needed.
There are more undiagnosed learners with developmental language disorder than Autism. High needs funding could be reserved for more severe needs.

Schools would benefit from expert input on the communication environment, early identification and intervention, a smoother transition from Pre-school NHS speech and school and an improvement of outcomes and behaviour for learners with SEN.

Timeline

10 Sep 2019 Petition opened for signatures
6 Nov 2019 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 1,210
Status Closed
Opened 10 Sep 2019
Closed 6 Nov 2019

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