“Education is not one size fits all”; An exploratory study of professional’s opinions on the educational support needed for young offenders with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

Abstract National policy and strategies have emphasised education as a preventative factor of offending and one of the ways to reduce reoffending. However, it is well documented that children and young people (CYP) who offend with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) are more likely to not be in education, employment or training (NEET). Thus, this research aims to explore what is needed to support the educational needs of CYP with SLCN who offend. Nine participants with professional links with a Youth Offending Service were recruited from an inner London Local Authority. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore their perspectives, experiences and what support they felt CYP who offend with SLCN needed to access effective education. Interview transcripts were analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Five themes in relation to what the key stakeholders felt is needed to support the educational needs of CYP who offend with SLCN were identified: 1. Better ways of working, 2. Better working with children and young people, 3. Better targeted support, 4. Tackling NEET, and 5. Improving Educational pedagogy. Alongside these key themes, the implications for educational psychology practice and other professionals seeking to support CYP with SLCN who offend were suggested.