Openreach and charity partner I CAN

In October 2006, Openreach joined forces with the children's communication charity I CAN.

Our sponsorship of I CAN is a core part of Openreach's 'First Mile' education programme in which we share the goal of improving communication skills amongst all pre-school children.

Vital links to life

In the same way a journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step, a child's first words and sentences are the foundation for their lifelong communications. They are the platform from which a child builds future relationships, shares experiences and learns.

However, as many as 4 in 5 of the children who started school for the first time in 2006 did not have the basic skills needed to learn.  One in ten children also has a recognisable communication disability.

Without basic communication skills, children struggle to learn, express themselves and build relationships.*

What this means for a child's future

Without the right help, at the right time, these children will be left out and left behind - unable to benefit fully from their education and denied the opportunity to reach their full potential. This can have a devastating impact on them, their families and the communities in which they live.
I CAN's reports describe how children with unsupported / undetected communication difficulties and disabilities are more likely to:

• have academic difficulties
• find it hard to form social relationships
• suffer behavioural and emotional difficulties
• have poor employment prospects
• in some cases become involved in criminal activity.

That's why the work that Openreach is doing to support I CAN is so important.

The good news

 We can all help change the future of Britain's Children for the better!

• With identification and the right help, many of the children who start school with poor communication skills will catch up
• The earlier communication difficulties are identified, the more quickly children can be helped to catch up
• If language difficulties are resolved by the time children are 5½, they are likely to go on to develop good reading and spelling skills
  

* All information on this page is sourced from I CAN ( www.ican.org.uk)

The charity that helps children communicate

• a combination of specialist therapy and education for children with the most severe and complex disabilities
• information for parents
• training and advice for teachers and other professionals

In doing so, they support the equal development of communication skills among all pre-school children.

I CAN is a very well established organisation and as such, has great links into a wide range of education programmes and initiatives.

I CAN's values

Communicative – Communication is a passion for I CAN and improving communication is at the heart of everything they do.
Professional – Striving for excellence in everything they do by using evidence, expertise and experience. They use their resources effectively to make the greatest impact.

Innovative – Aiming to change things for the better and constantly developing and evaluating new and effective approaches to support children.

Involving – Valuing the contribution of others. By working together, they make a greater impact on more children's lives.  They are also committed to equality of opportunity and take action to enable participation for all.

Transparent – Sharing information about their plans and progress and being accountable for everything they do.

You can learn more about I CAN by visiting their website at www.ican.org.uk

To access and order the tremendous range of resources (i.e. DVDs, books) currently produced by I CAN, please go to I CAN's website at http://www.ican.org.uk/resources.