Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the increase in language and eyesight problems among children in schools and the corresponding impact on NHS referrals.

No specific assessment has been made of the kind described by the Noble Lord, but we recognise the importance of supporting children’s development and education through good eye health and effective support for speech, language and communication needs.

Free NHS sight tests are available to all children aged under 16 years old, and young people aged under 19 years old in full-time education, helping to identify vision problems early and ensure children receive the treatment and support they need.

NHS England is also working with the Department for Education to identify and support children with speech, language and communication needs through the Early Language Support for Every Child programme, including in early years and primary school settings.