Improved communication could boost pupil performance

An improvement in the current support system for children with speech, language or communication difficulties could help boost educational performance, a new report has revealed.

The Bercow Review has revealed that an improvement in the provisions for children with communication problems would help to address the issue of social interaction and learning both in and out of school.

Ed Balls, secretary of state for children, schools and families, revealed that speech and language problems had to be addressed at a young age in children to aid long-term performance and happiness.

"It is vital that children and young people with speech and language difficulties are identified at the earliest possible stage and the right support is then put in place," he said.

"If these problems aren't identified and treated early on it can have a fundamental impact on children and young people throughout their lives," Mr Balls added.

The review was undertaken by John Bercow MP to the secretaries of state for health and for children, schools and families.