UK Government Funds NELI for Schools in England Until 2029

The UK Department for Education has agreed to fund the TEL Ted Program (known as the NELI Programme in the UK) for schools in England until the end of the current parliament in 2029.   

As part of the government’s ‘Best Start in Life’ initiative, this funding means TEL Ted will continue to help thousands of schools identify early language difficulties and improve students’ language skills and behavior. As part of the announcement, at the Reception Year Quality RISE Conference, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson mentioned the success of TEL Ted in deprived areas as a particular achievement of this partnership. The TEL Ted Intervention has been shown to help children from low socioeconomic status backgrounds make up to seven months of additional progress in their language development.   

“Language development really needs to click into gear,” Secretary Phillipson stated. “And that’s why we’re continuing to fund the TEL Ted Intervention – for the 11,000 schools already registered, and any [Elementary] that wants it. TEL Ted helps spot and sort problems early, supporting more than 50,000 children a year.”  

It’s making such a difference in their lives – that’s why we’re determined to back early language development across the country.” Ongoing funding will allow TEL Ted to continue impacting children’s lives for the years to come.  

Read the full speech from the Reception Year Quality RISE Conference Keynote address here.