At Rushey Green Primary School in Lewisham, a group of four- and five-year-olds sit in a circle, eagerly describing picture cards. It’s a scene full of energy and innocence, far removed from the grim reality of gang violence. Yet, these children are part of a groundbreaking initiative funded by the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), aimed at tackling the root causes of knife crime and youth violence.
The program focuses on teaching children how to communicate effectively. Many of these children started school struggling to speak properly. Research shows that children who fall behind in language skills early on are more likely to face exclusion from school, making them vulnerable to exploitation by criminals or involvement in gangs.
The Link Between Language and Vulnerability
Headteacher Lisa Williams explains that many children arrive at school without the language skills they need. This is often due to unstable home routines. “Many parents work multiple jobs,” she says. “A mother might work during the day and clean at night. Simple routines like bath time, storytime, and bedtime can be impossible to maintain.”
For some families, even basic necessities like hot water are out of reach. This lack of stability affects children’s development. Williams notes, “Many of our children can’t even tell you how they’re feeling when they arrive at school.”
Without strong language skills, children struggle not only academically but also socially. They find it hard to make friends, share, or take turns. “Parents often understand their child’s needs through body language,” Williams says. “But other children don’t. If a child can’t express themselves, they may resort to crying or anger instead of resolving conflicts through words.”
Teaching Communication to Build Resilience
The VRU-funded program aims to close this communication gap. Early data shows promising results: 98% of children who completed the program last year improved their communication skills, with 60% now meeting expected standards for vocabulary and understanding.
Lily Bearfoot, a reception teacher who helps run the program, says one of the biggest successes has been a reduction in physical outbursts. “Children are learning to use words instead of hitting or kicking,” she explains. “When they resolve conflicts by saying, ‘I didn’t like it when you took my pen,’ it’s a huge step forward. I always tell them how proud I am when they use their words.”
The Impact of Poverty and COVID-19
Many of the children in Bearfoot’s class are “COVID babies,” born during lockdowns that limited social interaction. However, the school emphasizes that the rise in speech and language problems is also tied to poverty and cuts to public services under successive Conservative governments.
Speech therapists stress that talking to babies and toddlers is crucial for their development. Williams acknowledges that some parents haven’t been able to provide this, but she is quick to defend them. “These parents aren’t lazy,” she says. “They’re struggling. Their priority is meeting their children’s basic needs—keeping them clothed, fed, and safe. They care deeply, but they’re working incredibly hard just to survive.”
A Hopeful Future
The program at Rushey Green offers a glimmer of hope. By equipping children with the tools to communicate, it aims to break the cycle of exclusion and vulnerability that can lead to gang involvement. For these young learners, the ability to express themselves isn’t just a skill—it’s a lifeline.
As Bearfoot watches her students navigate conflicts with words instead of fists, she sees a brighter future. “They’re learning to solve problems on their own,” she says. “That’s something they’ll carry with them for life.”
