In a momentous event hosted at the House of Lords on 30th January 2024, the ATLAS-Leiden Manifesto was launched, marking a crucial step in advocating for better understanding, recognition, and support of language difficulties in our school system. Sponsored by Lord Boateng, Chancellor of the University of Greenwich, and led by Prof Maria Arche and Dr Alexandra Perovic, in partnership with the RCSLT.
The launch of the manifesto symbolised a commitment to bring language development in the school years to the forefront of research and policy and served as a platform to address key issues in this area, with a call to action to Think Language First. Distinguished panellist speakers from diverse fields engaged in compelling discussions.
The panel consisted of:
- Dr Alexandra Perovic (UCL), chair
- Professor Joao Costa, Linguist and Minister of Education from Portugal
- Mr Diz Minnitt, SEND and Speech and Language Lead for Association of YOT Managers (AYM), Head of Youth Justice and Support Service, Milton Keynes
- Ms Carol-Ann Murray, Associate Director – Learning Disability and Autism at NHS South East London
- Ms Sara Pennington, HM Inspectorate of Prisons
- Ms Louisa Reeves, Speech and Language UK
- Ms Sharon Gray, Youth Justice Board
- Justice Renate Winter, President of UN Committee of the Rights of the Child
The manifesto highlights that over 10% of the world population face different language challenges and calls for timely assessments, broad recognition of the significant impact of unmet language needs on behavioural issues, educational exclusion, and a higher likelihood of unemployment and criminal activities. The panel speakers addressed the crucial topic of language skills as the gateway to lifelong wellbeing and educational attainment.
The Manifesto calls for:
- All types of language needs to be recognised and understood.
- Diagnosis of language difficulties that does not miss a single child.
- Every child to have access to adequate language support.
- The barriers that children and young people with communication difficulties face to be removed.
The ATLAS Think Language First Manifesto has been endorsed by over 50 organisations, including the British linguistics associations LAGB, BAAL and BACL, Speech and Language UK, Autistica, the Down Syndrome Association, and the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers. This widespread endorsement highlights the urgency and importance of the cause to Think Language First.
Pictured L-R: Dr Alexandra Perovic (UCL), Prof Tracey Reynolds (University of Greenwich), Prof Maria Arche (University of Greenwich), Lord Boateng, Professor Jane Harrington (University of Greenwich)