Steve Brine has joined Parliamentary colleagues in calling for evidence to consider the policy implications of the links between speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and social disadvantage.
The Winchester & Chandler's Ford MP is an active member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Speech and Language Difficulties, and hopes that constituents with an interest will take part in the inquiry.
Following the Marmot review of health inequalities, the government has committed itself to reducing such inequalities through an approach which focuses on the social determinants of health. Marmot points out that reducing social and health inequalities requires a focus on improving educational outcomes, and he also identifies communication skills as being necessary for 'school readiness'.
It is in light of these developments the All Party Group wishes to consider the policy implications of the links between SLCN and social disadvantage.
Steve Brine said: "There is a clear association among primary school children between social disadvantage and the identification of SLCN. Moreover, one study found that more than half of a sample of nursery school children in areas of social and economic deprivation experienced language delay.
"Identifying children with SLCN and intervening to provide support is complex. This is partly because SLCN is a cluster of characteristics rather than a single condition. Nevertheless, there is a growing body of evidence about the systems through which children with SLCN and their parents and carers can be provided with the additional support they need."
The inquiry will examine evidence on the influence of social disadvantage on SLCN among children, the influence of SLCN among children on their chances of poor social and economic outcomes in later life, and the effectiveness of possible strategies to mitigate these influences before making appropriate policy recommendations.
Pictured; Steve recently discussed speech issues in the House with Gareth Gates
More information...
Local parents wishing to take part can send evidence to Steve via steve.brine.mp@parliament.uk, who will then pass it to the group.
You can find out more about the group via http://www.rcslt.org/about/parliamentary_work/appg_sld_history.
The deadline for submission of written evidence is Tuesday 10 July 2012.