Introduction
It is vital that all those who work with children and young people have the appropriate skills and knowledge to be able to promote speech, language and communication development, identify those experiencing difficulties and effectively support children and young people with additional speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). The SLCF supports the recognition and development of these skills.
What is the SLCF?
The SLCF is a clear, comprehensive framework of the speech, language and communication skills and knowledge needed by anyone who works with children and young people. Practitioners and managers are able to carry out an online evaluation of their current skills and knowledge and identify ways to support them in areas where they are not confident. The SLCF contributes to the Children’s Workforce Strategy and relates to the Integrated Qualifications Framework (IQF).
Development of the SLCF
The SLCF is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and developed by The Communication Trust. It has been undertaken by a project team and review group of practitioners, advisors and managers, from education and speech and language therapy (SLT) backgrounds, specialising in SLCN within public, voluntary and academic organisations. The SLCF updates the Joint Professional Development Framework by making it relevant to the wider children’s workforce as well as those involved in education; establishing a universal stage relevant for all children making reference to the IQF and complementing a range of other competence based frameworks.
Communication Help Point
Communication Help Point is supported by the BT Better World Campaign.