In this 'Commission Conversation' Geoff Barton, Chair of the Commission on the Future of Oracy Education in England, talks to Jean Gross about the importance of developing early language, the impact of Sure Start and how we can ensure teachers have the time, oppportunity and knowledge to develop their students' spoken language skills. 

Jean Gross is an education expert who has led many national initiatives aimed at improving the learning, attainment  and wellbeing of disadvantaged children and those with special educational needs. Until 2011 she was the government’s Communication Champion for children and young people, responsible for promoting the importance of good language skills. Before this she led work on overcoming barriers to achievement as a Director of the government’s National Strategies, inclusing developing the influential Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) programme.