We have submitted a response to Welsh Government’s consultation on its Talk with Me Phase 2: Speech, Language and Communication (SLC) Delivery Plan 2026–2030, which outlines a proposed strategy to improve speech, language, and communication outcomes for children aged 5 to 11.
As the independent, professional regulator for the education workforce in Wales, we welcomed the opportunity to respond, noting that a significant number of our registrants work in primary settings, supporting learners in the age group covered by the proposed plan.
In our response, we expressed broad support for the overall direction of the proposals. We welcomed the intention to raise awareness of SLC among families and practitioners, the commitment to reviewing existing assessment arrangements, and steps to ensure early, consistent identification of speech, language, and communication needs. We also recognised the value of reviewing evidence‑based interventions and strengthening the guidance available to schools.
Alongside these points, our response highlighted several priority areas we believe would benefit particular attention:
- upskilling the workforce through accessible, high‑quality professional learning, with a clear national approach and a central role for Dysgu in ensuring quality and consistency
- the need to effectively incorporate key SLC messages into existing Curriculum for Wales resources, embedding guidance within materials that practitioners already use, rather than creating additional standalone resources
- embedding SLCN within Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes, including PGCE routes, in a proportionate and carefully considered way that builds on existing content rather than adding standalone material, ensuring new entrants to the profession develop a clear understanding of identification and support
- ensuring any new requirements are workload sensitive, helping to support practitioner wellbeing, recruitment and retention
The EWC remains committed to working constructively with Welsh Government and partners, as appropriate to our remit, to support effective implementation of the Talk with Me Phase 2 delivery plan.