The DCSF has just published the Bercow Review into Speech, Language and Communication. In a nutshell it concludes that some children are failing to develop the neccessary skills in this area.
It suggests, amongst other things, that Sir Alan Steer looks into how these skills can be developed in every primary school class room. I think we need to be lobbying to say that one way is through properly resourced and trained class teachers facilitating class councils.
More info here: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/bercowreview/
Asher