Speech, language and communication needs

Difficulty understanding or using language. The most common form of SEND and the most missed.

What it is

Speech, language and communication needs cover difficulty with understanding language, expressing language, speech sounds, social communication, or a combination — including developmental language disorder.

Where it applies

Children of any age. SLCN is the largest single category of primary need at SEN support in England.

How it works

Receptive difficulties — understanding — are far less visible than expressive ones, which is why they are so often missed and read as inattention, defiance or low ability.

Support ranges from adapted teaching and visual supports to targeted programmes and direct therapy — see speech and language therapy.

What you can ask for

Ask for a communication assessment if a child is struggling with instructions, following conversation, or explaining things — even if their speech sounds fine.

Ask what the school is doing to adapt language in the classroom: shorter instructions, processing time, visual supports.

Ask for therapy provision to be quantified in Section F if there is an EHCP.

Where to get help

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, Speech and Language UK, and NAPLIC for developmental language disorder. SENDIASS for free local advice, and IPSEA or Contact nationally.