On 27 September 2026, the Alliance for Inclusive Literacy wrote to Lucy Powell MP, Secretary of State for Education, calling for every child in England to have a guaranteed entitlement to explicit, progressive literacy teaching.

Too many pupils who are non-speaking, use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), or have complex disabilities face limited opportunities to learn to read and write. Assumptions about ability can shape their education before they have accessible ways to demonstrate their understanding.

Every learner deserves teaching that recognises their potential and meets their communication and access needs. A label, diagnosis or communication method should never exclude a child from literacy education.

Our letter and accompanying policy briefing call for this entitlement to be protected in national policy and law. The briefing sets out practical recommendations, including clearer curriculum guidance, accessible assessment, stronger professional training and better support for schools.

Literacy opens up opportunities for learning, participation and greater independence. For pupils who are non-speaking, learning to spell can also provide a way to express themselves in their own words.

Read our letter to the Secretary of State (PDF)

Read our policy briefing (PDF)

Help us strengthen this call by sharing these documents, writing to your MP or joining the Alliance. Explore the ways you can support our work below.