Last week two pieces of research were released that told a concerning story about how some children’s speech, language and communication had been impacted by the pandemic. Data from a 50,000-pupil survey of schools by Speech Link Multimedia showed that after months of lockdown and isolation as many as 20-25% more four-to-five year old’s will be starting school needing support with their language skills. And in a separate survey of 58 primary schools by the Education Endowment Foundation, 76 per cent said pupils starting school in September 2020 needed more support with communication than in previous years, and 96 per cent were concerned about pupils’ speech and language development.

For the last 12 years Speech Bubbles has been working with children who start school needing extra support. Our joyful, creative, story led drama approach builds confidence, friendship and connection. And this year we have reached out to even more schools to support those children who have been particularly impacted by the pandemic.

If you want to find out more about Speech Bubbles then come along to one of our free tasters online or sign up to hear Adam Annand Speech Bubbles National Lead present at the Link Live conference.

Adam Annand is London Bubble Associate Director and Speech Bubbles National Lead