Shock rise in children struggling with words

System 'failing two million pupils'

- By Lucy Johnston SOCIAL AFFAIRS EDITOR

THERE has been an alarming rise in children struggling to talk and understand language since just before the pandemic struck.

Research shows two million youngsters have speech and language difficulties — a 35% rise on 2019, when the number was 1.5 million.

This means one in five are now affected, compared to around one in seven before Covid turned their lives upside down.

Experts say the system has failed these children with thousands being unfairly punished for problems they simply cannot help.

The study, by charity Speech and Language UK, found 78% of teachers admitted sanctioning children for struggling to express themselves.

Almost half said they had not been given enough training to support pupils with speech difficulties, and 46% said their school's behaviour policies don't even take these challenges into account.

The research indicated all school ages were affected, although those up to 11 had the worst issues.