Sir Martyn Oliver Urges Schools to Transform Communication Skills Across England at Voice 21 Summit 2026

At the heart of London, during the Voice 21 Speaking Summit 2026, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, reminded educators why communication is far more than just talking.

He painted a vivid picture of how a child’s first word is a milestone built from countless moments of listening, storytelling, and interaction.

The First Word and Its Ripple Effect

“Every child’s first word is intentional,” Oliver explained.

He described how early exposure to language—from bedtime stories to rhythmic songs—sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.

This moment isn’t just cute; it’s foundational.

The ability to articulate ideas clearly impacts everything from academic success to personal relationships.

Reading, Listening, and Speaking: A Trio for Success

Sir Martyn emphasized the inextricable link between reading, speaking, and listening.

Research consistently shows that oral language is more critical to comprehension than simply decoding words.

Children with limited vocabulary often struggle to understand texts, no matter how fluent they are at reading aloud.

High-quality oracy education—structured speaking and listening practice—can help close that gap.

Reading plays a vital role, too. Exposure to diverse vocabulary through challenging texts fuels conversation, builds confidence, and empowers children to participate fully in learning and life.

Lessons from the Telling the Story Report

Oliver referenced Ofsted’s Telling the Story report (2024), which found improvements in phonics and early reading instruction.

Yet challenges remain: fluency, comprehension, and spoken language development often plateau as children progress.

Not every school emphasizes oracy in the curriculum, leaving some pupils behind.

The Department for Education’s proposed oracy frameworks aim to guide schools in nurturing strong communication skills throughout a child’s education.

A Story About Courage and Communication

To illustrate the impact of strong oracy skills, Oliver shared a story from Stockport College.

A young student, confident in public speaking thanks to dedicated support, successfully introduced him on stage at the Birmingham ICC.

This moment highlighted that communication isn’t just about debating or presenting—it’s about enabling children to navigate life.

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From expressing needs to engaging in jobs or apprenticeships, effective speaking and listening skills are essential.

The Role of Ofsted’s Renewed Framework

Oliver detailed how the renewed inspection framework encourages schools to prioritize language development at every stage.

• Early years: Focus on vocabulary, songs, and shared reading experiences.

• Primary and secondary schools: Build fluency, comprehension, and structured opportunities to debate and discuss ideas.

• Overall goal: Prepare children for thoughtful, respectful citizenship and collaborative workplaces.

The framework also emphasizes inclusion, ensuring children with speech, language, or communication needs receive targeted support to prevent widening gaps.

Report Cards That Reflect True Progress

A major shift in Ofsted’s approach is the new report card system, moving away from single-word judgments like “good” or “outstanding.”

The new five-point scale ranges from “urgent improvement” to “exceptional,” offering a nuanced view of performance across attendance, behaviour, curriculum, teaching, and achievement.

“Exceptional” is reserved for those whose practice is exemplary, meant to inspire and guide other schools, while “needs attention” identifies areas for proactive improvement.

This approach reinforces that communication and inclusion are central to educational success.

Impact and Consequences

Oliver’s speech underscores the long-term impact of oracy and literacy on society.

Schools that fail to develop these skills risk leaving students underprepared for adult life.

Conversely, prioritizing communication fosters confident, empathetic, and capable citizens who can navigate personal, academic, and professional challenges effectively.

What’s Next?

Schools and colleges will continue to implement Ofsted’s renewed framework and adopt the Department for Education’s oracy guidelines.

Educators are encouraged to actively promote speaking, listening, and reading across all subjects.

Sharing best practices and supporting inclusion will be critical in creating a truly self-improving education system.

Summary

Sir Martyn Oliver’s message was clear: communication is foundational, not optional.

Every word spoken and read builds skills for learning, citizenship, and life.

With the renewed framework, Ofsted aims to ensure all children have access to the rich language experiences they need to thrive.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Every child’s first word reflects deliberate exposure to language, stories, and interaction.

• Reading, listening, and speaking are interconnected and essential for comprehension.

• 20% of children start school below expected speech and language levels.

• Oracy education and inclusion programs help children catch up and thrive.

• Ofsted’s renewed framework emphasizes vocabulary, communication, and active citizenship.

• New report cards provide a nuanced five-point scale to measure school performance.

• Schools are encouraged to share best practices to strengthen the education system.