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Health: Speech Therapy

Answer

The report makes a number of specific recommendations for the Department of Health and Department for Education and we will together consider them all very carefully. There are already initiatives being undertaken by Government that are seeking to improve health related services for children, including those who need support with speech and language problems. On 26 January, we launched the Children and Young People's Health Outcomes Strategy, which aims to maximise health outcomes that matter the most to children, young people their families and the professionals that support them. It will also show how all parts of the health system, with partners, will contribute to enabling every child and young person to reach their full potential. The broad scope of the strategy will help to ensure that the issues in the report are considered. In addition, the Department of Health and Department for Education have been working together to develop the Government's Green Paper Support And Aspiration—A New Approach to SEN, published in March 2011, which also offers opportunities to address these issues. Twenty pathfinders covering 31 local authorities and primary care clusters have been appointed to test the ambition of the Green Paper, including a new single assessment process with a single education, health and care plan along with the option of a personal budget for children and families that would benefit from one. A response to the Green Paper is due to be published shortly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

15182; 735 c11-2WA

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Children Special educational needs Speech and language therapy Speech and language disorders

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk