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SEND advice and guidance

Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)


Children and young people with communication and interaction needs have difficulty communicating with others. They may find it hard to say what they want to, understand what’s being said to them, experience differences in how they interact with others and the world around them. The profile for every child with communication and interaction needs is different, and may change over time. They might have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.

See the communication and interaction section of the Targeted Support Framework for information and resources relating to speech, language and communication needs.

Useful webinars

Moving forward with your graduated response – tools to identify language needs in primary school

Primary identifying language needs web links

Moving forward with your graduated response – tools to identify language needs in secondary school

Secondary identifying language needs web links

Planning support for students identified with language and communication needs in primary settings

Primary planning support web links

Planning support for students identified with language and communication needs in secondary settings

Secondary planning support web links