Wales plans to extend early language support scheme

The Welsh Government has published a consultation to gain views on extending its Talk With Me programme so that it can support 5 to 11-year-olds with their speech, language and communication skills.

Since launching in 2020, Talk With Me has helped make sure babies and young children under five receive the support they need to develop vital communication skills. 

The Welsh Government is now consulting on an extended programme, running from 2026 to 2030, which will support primary school aged children too.

The extended plan aims to raise public awareness of how to support babies and children with their speech, and help parents and practitioners spot communication needs early. The plan also aims to make sure children receive the right support at the right time, upskill the workforce, and make sure preventative support is equally available across Wales.

New actions would include a national publicity campaign for families of 5 to 11-year-olds, a review of support programmes for school-aged children, and a free online training course for people working with older children.

Minister for Children and Social Care, Dawn Bowden, said: "Every child deserves the chance to communicate confidently and express themselves. Strong speech, language and communication skills are fundamental to children's learning, wellbeing and future opportunities.

"Talk With Me has already made a real difference to our youngest children, and I am delighted we are now consulting on extending this vital support to primary school aged children. I encourage everyone with an interest in children's development to share their views."