Jean Gross, Communication Champion for Children, has produced her final report as she steps down from office. Although her remit was restricted to England, 'Two Years On: final report of the Communication Champion for children' reflects on issues that are also very relevant for people with communication difficulties in other parts of the United Kingdom - and probably many other countries.

She was appointed to the post following the Bercow Review of 2008, which found that services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) were highly variable across England.

The report highlights a number of areas where there have been measurable improvements in services since 2008, but expresses concern about the actual provision that will be available for children with SLCN for the immediate future. There have been cuts to front line speech and language therapy services and to specialist advisory teaching services at a time when there has been a 58% rise in the number of children with SLCN.

Jean Gross spoke about the report on BBC Radio Four on 16th January, highlighting a number of issues.

The Report can be downloaded from the Communication Matters web site.