Speech, language and
communication
Being able to communicate with others is essential to our lives. We all need to be able to interact with others and be able to express what we like and don’t like, how we feel, what we need and to be able share experiences and knowledge.
Learning to communicate starts at birth and continues to develop throughout our lives. Communication skills are needed for us to be able to learn and achieve in and enjoy life.
This starts from birth by learning how to interact with our care givers without words.
Foundations of communication and interaction
Understand how children learn non-verbal and verbal communication skills
The language pyramid shows the skills we need to learn to become articulate functional communicators.
Skills at the bottom have to be in place before the skills above them can be developed.
What things can help a child
There are certain things that any parent or family member can do to help a child right from their birth. As the child gets older, additional things will help.
We have provided below a range of different tips, advice and sources of information that we know can help into different age ranges:
Baby and toddlers
Birth to
2 years 6 months
Pre-school children
2 years 6 months to
4 years
School age children
4 years to
16 years
Teens and young adults
16 years to
25 years
If you know of something else that would be useful to add to this list, please let us know.
Learn more
Encouraging early development
Activities to encourage and expand early speech and language in your child.
Attention and listening
Ideas and activities to help your child to learn to wait, share and take turns.
Developing understanding
The understanding of words forms a foundation for learning to speak.
The importance of play
Why play is important to the development of speech and language skills.
Eating and drinking
Helping your child learn to swallow successfully.
Topic specific videos
Videos to help develop a range of skills.
Handbook for staff
The questionnaire and tool used by Heath Visitors.
SLCN Toolkit
Professionals across the borough will be able to use a toolkit of resources and information to support pupils with SLCN.
Apps to download
Applications for speech and language for tablets and smartphones, both free and charged.
If you’re noticing something
Parents are often the first one to notice is something is ‘not quite right’ or if their child is developing any particular tendencies.
We have a range of advice and support available for those that need it.
More complex concerns
If your child has more complex needs or if they already have a particular diagnosis, our specialist support will provide tailored help.
Useful links
Afasic
Information and support for children with speech and language impairments, and their families.
Chatterpack
Speech and Language UK
Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
The professional organisation for speech and language therapists.
Speechlink
Screening, assessment, intervention and support.