International Day of Education: Every Child’s Right to Learn

Each year on 24 January, the world marks International Day of Education, a global day led by UNESCO to recognise education as a fundamental human right and a public good. The day highlights the vital role education plays in reducing inequality, supporting social mobility, and building fairer societies. At its core, International Day of Education is about access. Access to learning, access to opportunity, and access to a future that is not defined by circumstance.

Why Education Matters

Education remains one of the most effective routes out of poverty. Children who can access consistent, high-quality education are more likely to experience improved health, economic stability, and long-term wellbeing. Yet for millions of children worldwide, this right is still out of reach.

Globally, more than 250 million children and young people are currently out of school. Many more attend school but are unable to access learning in a way that works for them, leaving them without essential literacy, communication, and life skills.

Access to Education in England

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

In England, access to education is increasingly shaped by the availability of appropriate support for children with special educational needs and disabilities. There are now over 1.7 million pupils identified with SEN, with numbers continuing to rise year on year.

While identification has improved, support systems remain under significant pressure. Many children with SEN attend school but struggle to access learning meaningfully due to unmet speech, language, communication, sensory, mental health or physical needs. When support is delayed or insufficient, it can result in traumatic experiences with life long implications.

Words First and Inclusive Education

At Words First, we believe that every child has a right to an education they can access and benefit from. Our work is centred on supporting schools to remove barriers to learning through evidence-based Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Educational Psychology (including Play Therapy and Counselling).

We work in partnership with schools to support children whose needs may otherwise prevent them from engaging fully in education, whether that is through communication support, sensory regulation strategies, motor skill development, or whole-school inclusive practice.

Working in Partnership with Schools

By working collaboratively with SENCOs, teachers, and school leaders, we help embed practical strategies that support participation, inclusion, and learning across the school day. This approach supports not only individual children, but also strengthens school systems so that inclusion becomes part of everyday practice rather than an add-on.