What is the Speech, Language and Communication Framework?
The SLCF is a free professional development tool, accessible to all, which sets out the key skills needed to support the speech, language and communication development of all children and young people.
It is a self-assessment tool which enables individuals to map out their skills, knowledge and confidence in supporting the development of these essential skills in the children and young people they work with.
The SLCF provides users with a personalised analysis of their current confidence levels and offers suggestions for next steps in continuing professional development (CPD) including training courses, reading and resources. In addition, at the Universal level, there are opportunities for practitioners to develop their learning through short interactive online activities.
Can I use it to evidence good practice?
The SLCF can be used in a number of ways – by practitioners wishing to improve their skills or knowledge or as part of a course, for example. This year we have put together a series of case studies illustrating how people have used the SLCF to evidence good practice.
Why do we need the SLCF?
Speech, language and communication are central life skills. They are linked to learning, attainment, behaviour, social and emotional development as well as mental wellbeing, so it is essential that everyone working with children and young people understands the importance of their role in supporting and developing these crucial skills.
The SLCF brings together competencies in supporting the speech, language and communication of children and young people into one place. Using the SLCF practitioners can easily see what they currently know and what areas they need to develop further.
Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) affect a huge number of children and young people in the UK.
Approximately two children in every year one classroom will experience a clinically significant language disorder that impacts on their learning. Language disorders are also more than seven times more prevalent in children than other developmental conditions such as autism.
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