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BBC News
6 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
'I'm worried my child will never speak if he doesn't get support'
Five-year-old Callum is autistic and nursery, he received weekly one-to-one speech and language therapy to try to develop his family says he was making good progress and when he started primary school last summer they were led to believe the support would it stopped, and they are now scared he may never is one of thousands of children struggling to access the right support with speech. Demand is increasing A new report seen by BBC Scotland News shows that demand for speech and language therapists (SLT) is increasing in Scotland but that the numbers of therapists is falling behind the rest of the says more than half of the children who need specialist support are waiting more than 18 weeks and some are waiting up to three report, by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), says Scotland needs to increase its full-time equivalent SLT therapists by 370, from a current total of also says that Scotland is lagging behind England in terms of the ratio of speech and language therapists to RCSLT report states: "Over the past five years, Scotland's speech and language therapy workforce increased by just 2%, compared to 15% across the rest of the UK."This limited growth has not kept pace with rising demand." Freedom of Information (FOI) data, obtained by the RCSLT, shows that the number of children waiting for speech and language therapy increased from 6,503 in May 2023 to 6,727 in May 2024 - with 53% waiting longer than 18 weeks in both years. In some health boards, children are waiting for as long as two to three years for an initial contact, it Scottish government has promised to publish an Early Years Speech and Language action plan by the autumn. Glenn Carter, the head of the RCSLT in Scotland, said the report highlighted the importance of embedding SLT in nurseries and supporting children before they get to school as well as once they are said the provision of SLT was "variable", with excellent examples in some areas but low levels of funding in Carter said this led to those most in need not getting the resources they require. "There are kids experiencing significant challenges in school and that causes behavioural issues, which in turn causes stress for teachers," he said. "We feel that by positioning speech and language therapists within education we can solve quite a lot of the problems that Scotland is facing right now." One-to-one support Teachers say that since Covid more and more children are starting primary school without being able to communicate figures from Public Health Scotland show that last year more than one in 12 children recorded a delay in speech and language by age (2018/19) the figure was only one in 20. Speech and language therapy in schools is delivered by the NHS but partly funded by goes to a specialist "communication needs" school called Redburn in Cumbernauld, North father Grant said the school and staff are excellent but there is no SLT provision. He thought his son was still getting one-to-one support but then found out the therapist had been off sick."It was really upsetting," Grant told BBC Scotland News."To try to put yourself in his shoes and say how would you feel trying to survive in the world without being able to communicate?" he said."He's due that, he's got a human right to be able to have it, to give him the tools he needs to be able to survive in this world."Last week other parents at the school received a letter from NHS Lanarkshire to "apologise" for the fact they had not received SLT spoke to a teacher last month who confirmed that Callum had never been referred for speech and language therapy since he arrived at primary promised to refer him but he believes that referral hasn't been processed as he didn't receive the NHS council have pledged to offer more support in August, but Grant thinks it will be "nowhere near enough", based on the level of demand at Redburn school. Being non-verbal means Callum can get very distressed if he does not understand what is going on but also cannot tell people what he needs. His father Grant has been told that this is a crucial stage for his son to get specialist intervention for children with mutism is recognised as crucial to prevent the problem continuing into said: "I'm worried he won't be able to speak. "There's evidence that says the key age is 4-8, where if they can get assistance, then there's evidence of positive outcomes," he said. "They are failing in their duty of care if that doesn't happen." The Scottish government said it had invested in a programme to support early intervention in speech and language, helping to build confidence and capacity of staff working in early learning and childcare.A spokesman said: "As laid out in the Programme for Government, we will publish an Early Years Speech and Language action plan by autumn 2025, which will set our practical steps to support children's early speech and language development."A North Lanarkshire Council spokeswoman said: "There are UK-wide challenges in recruitment of speech and language staff, and we continue to work closely with colleagues at NHS Lanarkshire to assist in mitigating these."Pauline Downie, from NHS Lanarkshire, apologised for any distress its letter had caused. She said: "The intention of the letter is to give parents an opportunity to contact us to discuss any concerns they have regarding the speech, language and communication support for their child."
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ayrshire pupils among funniest in Scotland at national joke telling competition
Ayrshire's school pupils proved to be the funniest in Scotland after Saffron Barrett, Freya McVie Branley and Craig Speirs competed in the VoiceBox competition. Three Ayrshire pupils were among the funniest in Scotland at a national joke telling competition with two of them winning prizes. Saffron Barrett of Glenburn Primary in Prestwick, Freya McVie Branley of St Winning's Primary in Kilwinning and Craig Speirs of Shortlees Primary in Kilmarnock represented the county at the the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition. P1 Saffron, P7 Freya and P5 Craig travelled to Edinburgh for the competition which was held at the Scottish Parliament on June 5. With jokes that had the judges in stitches, Freya was named as runner-up, Craig in third place and Saffron unlucky to miss out on the top three. Freya takes home a £75 toy gift card, as well as £200 worth of books for her school while Craig bagged a £50 toy gift card, as well as £200 worth of books for his school, courtesy of competition sponsors, Collins Big Cat. As a finalist, Saffron also won £100 worth of books for her school. Ezra Pasifull, Primary Three, from Oakbank Primary School in Perth and Kinross, was crowned as the winner of the VoiceBox competition. The final featured 32 pupils from across Scotland, with a regional winner representing each local authority. Every finalist performed their joke live before an audience of MSPs, families, and supporters. The final followed a nationwide call for entries that saw thousands of jokes submitted by pupils from hundreds of primary schools. VoiceBox was created by the RCSLT to spotlight the importance of early speech, language and communication development and the power of speech and language therapy. While rooted in fun, the competition's purpose is to raise awareness of the vital role communication plays in a child's confidence, learning and life outcomes. Glenn Carter, head of RCSLT Scotland, said: 'While the event is full of joy and laughter, its purpose is serious. Speech, language and communication are essential skills that underpin a child's learning, relationships, and long-term opportunities. 'VoiceBox shines a light on this by showing just what children can achieve when they're supported to express themselves.' The final was hosted by the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, Alison Johnstone MSP, and compered by BBC journalist and comedian Zara Janjua. Commenting, Ms Johnstone said: 'It was a pleasure to welcome so many young people from across Scotland to their Parliament. 'Following a strong nationwide competition, I want to congratulate all our finalists. The effort, imagination and thought that went into their contributions was extremely impressive. 'I'm pleased that once again the Parliament was able to support such a worthwhile competition.'
Daily Record
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
West Lothian schoolboy joins big bunch of jokers at the Scottish Parliament
P3 pupil John McGlynn from Livingston left MSPs in fits of laughter A Livingston schoolboy was one of 32 pupils from across the country who left MSPs chortling after cracking jokes at the Scottish Parliament. John McGlynn, a P3 pupil at St John Ogilvie RC Primary School, left them in fits of laughter as he represented West Lothian at the VoiceBox grand final. The national joke-telling competition is organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), with a regional winner representing each local authority in the final. Every finalist performed their joke live before an audience of MSPs, families, and supporters. The final followed a nationwide call for entries that saw thousands of jokes submitted by pupils from hundreds of primary schools. Ezra Pasifull, who's in P3 at Oakbank Primary School in Perth, was crowned Scotland's funniest young comedian after leaving MSPs in stitches. The winning joke, delivered with confidence and impeccable timing, was: 'I bought 10 bees but the beekeeper gave me 11 bees. I asked him why there is an extra bee and he said, because that one's a 'Free Bee!' The final was hosted by the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, and compered by BBC journalist and comedian Zara Janjua, who returned for her second year with the competition. Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said: 'It was a pleasure to welcome so many young people from across Scotland to their Parliament. Following a strong nation-wide competition, I want to congratulate all our finalists. The effort, imagination and thought that went into their contributions was extremely impressive. I'm pleased that once again the Parliament was able to support such a worthwhile competition.' VoiceBox was created by the RCSLT to spotlight the importance of early speech, language and communication development and the power of speech and language therapy. While rooted in fun, the competition's purpose is to raise awareness of the vital role communication plays in a child's confidence, learning, and life outcomes. Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: 'While the event is full of joy and laughter, its purpose is serious. Speech, language and communication are essential skills that underpin a child's learning, relationships, and long-term opportunities. VoiceBox shines a light on this by showing just what children can achieve when they're supported to express themselves.' The 2025 final marks the second year VoiceBox has been held at the Scottish Parliament, following its January launch on Blue Monday, a date chosen to brighten the calendar and kick-off joke competitions in classrooms nationwide. Each of the 32 finalists received £100 worth of books from sponsors Collins Big Cat, the UK's leading whole-school primary reading programme. The overall winner's school received £500 worth of Collins Big Cat books, while the runner-up, Freya McVie Branley from St Winning's Primary School, Kilwinning, North Ayrshire, and third-place winner, Craig Speirs from Shortlees Primary, Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, were awarded £200 worth of books for their schools. In addition, the top three finalists received toy gift cards – £100 for the winner, £75 for second place, and £50 for third place.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Stirling pupil Ru gives MSPs at Holyrood a welcome laugh
The Allan's Primary youngster was one of just 32 finalists from thousands who entered the national joke telling competition, with the final being held at the Scottish Parliament. A P1 pupil from Allan's Primary School in Stirling had MSPs in fits of laughter recently at the VoiceBox grand final – a national joke-telling competition. Ru McCallum had taken part in the contest, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT). The final, which took place at Holyrood, featured 32 pupils from across Scotland, with a regional winner representing each local authority. Every finalist performed their joke live before an audience of MSPs, families, and supporters. The final followed a nationwide call for entries that saw thousands of jokes submitted by pupils from hundreds of primary schools. Ru's joke, which earned a place in the final, was: 'Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because he wasn't peeling very well!' VoiceBox was created by the RCSLT to spotlight the importance of early speech, language and communication development and the power of speech and language therapy. While rooted in fun, the competition's purpose is to raise awareness of the vital role communication plays in a child's confidence, learning, and life outcomes. Ezra Pasifull, of P3 at Oakbank Primary School in Perth and Kinross, was crowned Scotland's funniest young comedian after leaving MSPs in stitches. The winning joke, delivered 'with confidence and impeccable timing', was: 'I bought 10 bees but the beekeeper gave me 11 bees. I asked him why there is an extra bee and he said, because that one's a 'Free Bee!'.' Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: 'While the event is full of joy and laughter, its purpose is serious. Speech, language and communication are essential skills that underpin a child's learning, relationships, and long-term opportunities. VoiceBox shines a light on this by showing just what children can achieve when they're supported to express themselves.' The final was hosted by the Presiding Officer, Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, and compered by BBC journalist and comedian Zara Janjua, who returned for her second year with the competition. Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP said: 'It was a pleasure to welcome so many young people from across Scotland to their Parliament. Following a strong nation-wide competition, I want to congratulate all our finalists. The effort, imagination and thought that went into their contributions was extremely impressive. I'm pleased that once again the Parliament was able to support such a worthwhile competition.' The 2025 final marks the second year VoiceBox has been held at the Scottish Parliament, following its January launch on Blue Monday, a date chosen to brighten the calendar and kick-off joke competitions in classrooms nationwide. Each of the 32 finalists received £100 worth of books from sponsors Collins Big Cat, the UK's leading whole-school primary reading programme. The overall winner's school received £500 worth of Collins Big Cat books, while the runner-up, Freya McVie Branley from St Winning's Primary School in North Ayrshire, and third-place winner, Craig Speirs from Shortlees Primary School in East Ayrshire, were awarded £200 worth of books for their schools. In addition, the top three finalists received toy gift cards – £100 for the winner, £75 for second place, and £50 for third place.
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
West Lothian primary school pupil named as finalist in national joke competition
John McGlynn, a primary three pupil at St John Ogilvie Primary School, has been crowned the winner of West Lothian's regional heat in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition A West Lothian primary school pupil has turned a good gag into a golden ticket for Holyrood after being named a finalist in a national joke-telling competition. John McGlynn, a primary three pupil at St John Ogilvie RC Primary School, has been crowned the winner of West Lothian's regional heat in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' (RCSLT) VoiceBox competition – a national joke-telling contest celebrating the power of communication. With a joke that had judges in stitches, John now heads to the Grand Final at the Scottish Parliament on June 5th, where 32 of Scotland's funniest primary school pupils – one from each local authority – will compete for the title of VoiceBox Champion 2025. John's joke which earned a place in the final, was: 'Why does Scottish Mickey Moose not go in his airplane anymore? Because it Disney land! The event will be hosted by Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, with Zara Janjua, BBC journalist and stand-up comedian, taking the mic as compère. Now in its second year, VoiceBox launched on Blue Monday – the so-called 'saddest day of the year' – with a very different energy, thanks to last year's winners from Cockenzie Primary in East Lothian. Since then, schools across Scotland have been submitting their funniest entries in a joyful celebration of confidence, creativity and communication. John has already secured £100 worth of Collins Big Cat books for their school, and is in the running for other prizes including £500 of books for the winning school; £200 of books for second and third place plus, a £100 toy gift card for the top three finalists. Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: 'We're incredibly proud of all the regional winners who've earned a place in the national final. VoiceBox is about much more than making people laugh. 'It's about highlighting the vital role that communication plays in every part of a child's life. Speech, language and communication, skills are the foundation for learning, social connection, mental wellbeing and future employment. 'Yet too many children still struggle without the support they need, often going unnoticed. 'Competitions like VoiceBox show just how powerful a child's voice can be when given a platform and why it's so important that we continue to invest in speech and language therapy to support children's communication. 'These children aren't just telling jokes. They're showing us how the ability to communicate can positively impact confidence, creativity and connection.'
