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<p>We monitor community health services waiting lists for children and young people
and hold NHS England to account on actions to reduce waiting times.</p><p>NHS England
has asked local health systems to develop plans to reduce waiting lists for community
health services.</p><p>Recognising the waiting times for speech and language therapy,
in September 2023, the Department for Education launched 'Early Language Support for
Every Child' (ELSEC), with NHS England. ELSEC is a two-year pathfinder programme funding
innovative workforce models to improve early identification and support for children
and young people with speech, language and communication needs within early years
and primary school settings. ELSEC will take place in nine sites across England, one
in each Change Programme Partnership. It is running across two academic years from
September 2023 to August 2025.</p><p>In future more healthcare will be provided in
the community, and that is why the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan includes commitments
to increase the community workforce, with increases in training places for community
nurses and allied health professionals, and a renewed focus on retaining existing
staff.</p>
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