The Link Between Speech, Language and Academic Progress

Did you know that a child’s ability to communicate shapes their entire future?

The link between speech, language skills and academic success couldn’t be clearer - especially when it comes to literacy, learning, and access to the curriculum.

In fact, children with speech, language and communication needs are 6 times more likely to be behind in English by the age of 11, and 11 times more likely to be behind in Maths.

We also know that children with speech and language difficulties are at greater risk of developing mental health difficulties like anxiety or depression, and the impact of being behind at school will only worsen this impact.

With proactive Speech and Language Therapy Provision, we can make improvements to children’s academic attainment. Here’s how.

Hidden Challenges with Big Consequences
Speech and language difficulties are often invisible; hidden behind quiet demeanour, disruptive behaviour, or a simple fear of speaking up. In busy classrooms, these needs can easily go unnoticed, especially among children who mask their struggles or withdraw altogether.

But make no mistake: the consequences run deep and can shape a child’s future in ways we cannot afford to ignore. Struggles with communication reach far beyond words - they touch every part of learning and life:

• 📚 Reading Comprehension – If a child can decode text but doesn’t understand the meaning of words or sentence structures, comprehension can break down.
  
• 📝 Written Expression – Language is also the foundation of writing. Poor vocabulary, limited sentence formation, or trouble organising thoughts can all stem from speech and language delays.
• 🍎 Classroom Engagement – Pupils with SLCN may find it hard to follow instructions, join discussions, or ask for help, leading to reduced participation and growing frustration.

Without early identification and targeted support, these pupils risk falling behind - academically, socially, and emotionally. But with the right support, we can change that story.

How to Strengthen Speech and Language Support in Your School
There are lots of practical steps schools can take to make a real difference:

• Train Staff in Identifying Speech and Language Difficulties - Teachers and teaching assistants are often the first to notice a child struggling. Equip them to spot the signs early.
  
  
• Work Closely with SALT Professionals - A collaborative approach between schools and speech therapists ensures targeted and appropriate interventions. 

Here at Mable, we work with a wide array of schools to help eliminate the barriers of long wait times for pupils to access the vital speech and language therapy they require and deserve. Appointments are flexible and available within just 48 hours, and take place in the comfort of a child’s home.

• Screen Early and Regularly – Implement simple language screening tools in early years and Key Stage 1 to catch needs before they widen the learning gap.

The Value of Speech and Language Interventions
​​At a time when almost two million children in the UK are struggling with talking and understanding - the highest number on record - and with families facing over a year-long wait for specialist support, schools are being forced to step up. The consequences of delayed intervention are significant: children’s development stalls, their wellbeing suffers, and for some, these difficulties stretch into adulthood, affecting mental health, relationships, and even employability.

But the Ted Wragg Trust is refusing to let children fall through the cracks.

Our brilliant partners at the Ted Wragg Trust have done exceptional work in rolling out a variety of exceptional initiatives across all of their schools to maximise pupils’ access to SALT support.

These initiatives help to ensure that every child trust-wide can be screened to identify pupils who require a referral/further support, and the Trust have also partnered with us here at Mable to help support pupils in overcoming the obstacles posed by long wait times.

Across their network of schools - including Exwick Heights Primary, St Luke’s CofE School, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Marine Academy Plymouth, and many more - they’ve created a comprehensive approach to ensure no child’s communication needs are overlooked.

It starts with universal screening. Every Reception child undergoes a specially developed speech and language assessment, tailored to identify gaps based on what a 4-year-old should typically be able to achieve. Those who need support are offered targeted booster sessions, delivered by the Trust’s dedicated SALT team; easing the burden on classroom teachers and ensuring every child gets the help they deserve.

The Trust has also invested in virtual Speech and Language Therapy assessments through partners like Mable, ensuring that children in other year groups - who may have slipped under the radar - are seen and supported. These assessments play a vital role in informing Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) referrals, giving children the best chance of receiving long-term, structured support.

The impact of these initiatives is profound:
• More children being seen, sooner
• Teachers equipped to meet pupils’ needs in the classroom
• Reduced strain on overstretched public services
• A clear pathway for children to catch up with their peers, both academically and socially

Evaluate Your School’s SALT and SEND Provisions Today

Are you keen to evaluate your school’s/trust’s current Speech and Language Therapy and SEND provisions to ensure you’re providing the best possible support to your pupils?

Here at Mable, in alignment with the latest 2025 Ofsted changes and to help support schools in providing the best quality speech and language therapy support, we’re offering a FREE 30-minute consultation with one of our education experts - no strings attached.

Just 48 hours after your consultation, you’ll receive:

• A personalised traffic-light benchmarking report (see an example here)
• Clear insights into your current strengths and areas for development
• Tailored, practical recommendations aligned with Ofsted’s 2025 priorities

There are just 30 places left - so be sure to schedule in your call.