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The Speech, Language and Communication Framework


The Speech, Language and Communication Framework (SLCF) is a free online tool to help professionals support the speech, language and communication development of children and young people.

Speech, language and communication are central life skills which underpin learning, attainment, behaviour, mental well-being and social and emotional development. It is essential that everyone working with children and young people:

  • understands the importance of their role in supporting and developing these crucial skills
  • uses the best available evidence to make changes to their practice and
  • evidences their continued professional development.

The self-assessment tool, produced by the The Communications Trust, assesses skills, knowledge and confidence and helps professionals better support the development of essential communication skills in the children and young people they work with.

The SCLF gives users a personalised analysis, and offers suggestions for next steps, including training courses, reading and resources. Users of the tool can also develop their learning through short interactive online activities.

Three real life case studies show how the SLCF has been used to evidence improvements in knowledge and skills, as well as change practice.

What works?

The Communication Trust worked with the Better Communication Research Programme to develop the What Works database of evidenced interventions to support children’s speech, language and communication. What Works is endorsed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

What Works supports practitioners to deliver evidence-informed interventions and approaches to support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs. Users can search for interventions by target group, age range, focus of the intervention, who it’s delivered by and in what type of format. The evidence for each intervention is rated as ‘strong’, ‘moderate’ or ‘indicative’ as determined by an academic Moderating Group, with a summary of the evidence base and academic references provided.

For more information please visit the I CAN website.


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