All children and young people deserve the opportunity to develop good speech, language and communication skills. However, in the UK today, around one in ten children have long-term speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) that can impact directly on their ability to learn and make friends – that’s 1.4 million children overall.

Pearson and The Communication Trust have joined forces for the fifth year running to launch the Shine a Light Awards for 2018. The search is now on to find schools, teams and individuals across England who champion innovative work and excellent practice in supporting the communication development of children and young people – plus, of course, any young people who have made a difference themselves. And now there is an AAC Award – get nominating!

The awards website is now open for applications. Further details on how to apply can be found at www.shinealightawards.co.uk. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on 12 January 2018 to be considered.