1. Better Communication – Shaping speech, language and communication services in the light of outcomes from the Bercow Review

2. Kamini Gadhok MBE Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Chief Executive Officer

3. Aims To know about: commissioning tools for children with SLCN examples of good practice in joint commissioning interim findings of the Better Communication Research Programme workforce development materials now available as a result of the Bercow Review local primary prevention initiatives to promote the development of speech, language and communication skills of all young children how speech and language therapy services for children and young people have developed their structures and ways of working so as to provide quality, productivity and value for money

4. Communication is the 'must have' skill for children and young people and is the bedrock of learning. In government, we have made sure that it is a priority in our policies for the Foundation Years, and in our efforts to improve support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. I hope all local commissioners will make it a priority in their own planning. Most of all, I hope that local authorities, schools and NHS commissioners will work together to commission services jointly. For too long parents have been left unclear about who has responsibility for provision for their children – health or education. We cannot let this continue, which is why I have proposed a single education, health and social care plan for children and young people with the greatest needs, across the age range. These plans require a backdrop of joint work by commissioners, working in partnership with parents, to map the needs in their area and design a continuum of services to match those needs. This publication, and the conferences on which it is based, provide practical help to commissioners in this enterprise. I very much welcome its messages and the examples of existing good practice it celebrates. Please read it – and please take action, so that parents know that local agencies are sharing their resources and working together to get the best possible outcomes for their child. Sarah Teather MP, Minister of State for Children and Families

5. ‘Everyone talks about integration and joined up services but it's great to see it in action. These conferences were a real opportunity to bring commissioners and professionals together to do what parents and children want - give them a quality service which is seamless and meets their needs.’ Anne Milton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Public Health