The influence of Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity on Speech and Language Development

A number of factors influence the speech and language development of young children, and delay in the development of speech and language can have repercussions for school attainment and life chances. This paper is based on a survey of 3-4 year old children in the city of Stoke-on-Trent in the UK. It analyses the data collected from 255 children in 26 schools, and discusses the effects of socioeconomic status and ethnicity on delayed or advanced language development in young children. Language development in the project was measured using the New Reynell Developmental Language Scales (NRDLS) (Edwards, Letts and Sinka, 2011). The study shows mean standard scores for language Production and Comprehension within the low average range, thus demonstrating a challenge confronting nurseries/preschools in the area in preparing children for compulsory schooling. The research has implications for Early Years education policy and practice.