ican.org.uk

I CAN is the children’s communication charity. The charity specialises in helping children develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive in a 21st-century world. They train practitioners from all over the UK to deliver vital support and interventions to children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). I CAN also supports parents and carers directly providing an enquiry service and online resources. Through their specialist schools in Surrey and Nottinghamshire, I CAN empowers and educates children with the most complex and acute SLCN.

I CAN’s mission is that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding.

In light of the findings of the Bercow: Ten Years On report, I CAN have committed to the following pledges:

To take the conversation about SLCN to politicians and influencers, ensuring that the changes that are needed are heard those in power

To investigate and champion the economic benefits of investing in the services available to children with SLCN

To focus speech, language and communication support to the most vulnerable young people with the greatest need

To provide impartial advice and information to parents and carers of children with SLCN

To offer expertise, experience and support as a partner to Public Health England

To continue their commitment to ensure that no child is left behind because of their SLCN

RCSLT.org

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) is the professional body for speech and language therapists in the UK, representing over 17,000 members. It facilitates and promotes research into the field of speech and language therapy – the care for individuals with communication, swallowing, eating and drinking difficulties. It promotes better education and training of speech and language therapists and is responsible for setting and maintaining high standards in education, clinical practice and ethical conduct. For more information on RCSLT and its Giving Voice campaign visit www.rcslt.org  and www.givingvoiceuk.org

To seek the implementation of the recommendations in the report influencing government, national agencies, and national and local decision-makers and budget-holders

To work with system leaders in the commissioning, development and delivery of best practice pathways for children with a range of speech, language and communication needs across all settings.

To drive improvements through the development of self-evaluation tools at an individual and service level, as well as promoting the ongoing development of research and clinical evaluation skills.

To use the findings of this review to inform the development of resources and guidance as part of the RCSLT strategy for children’s speech and language therapy services.

To support the development of effective partnership working with parents and carers as part of our strategy for education and training of the speech and language therapy workforce.

To support speech and language therapists

To develop leadership qualities throughout their careers, through the delivery of a lifelong learning and leadership work stream.

To develop and share evidence based practice across all areas of practice for example in delivering quality services, and through a variety of means including digital, face-to-face, research, and peer support.

In the collection of data that supports the demonstration of impact of speech and language therapy including outcome measures.

To work with service user groups to develop a symbol for communication access and its underpinning standards, akin to the already established disability access symbols.