Health services for children and young people

We define speech, language, and communication as follows:

Speech The ability to clearly and accurately make the speech sounds used in words, for example. ‘b’ ‘sh’ so that speech is intelligible to the listener

Language Understanding and using words. Using language and being able to put words together to make meaningful sentences.  And understanding language, understanding what is being said to you.

Communication The use of language for social interactions between people. This includes non-verbal communication such as facial gestures and body language.

Why it is important

Children need to develop speech, language, and communication so they can:

• Make their needs known
• Let us know their likes and dislikes  
• Interact with family and friends
• Make friendships
• Learn and understand emotions and feelings

Most children develop language easily just through interacting with family and friends. However, around 7% of five year olds starting school in England have significant difficulties with speech and language.

Parents and carers are usually the first to notice difficulties with speech, language, and communication development.

You should consider getting help and advice if your child:

• isn’t talking as much as other children of the same age
• is becoming frustrated or showing challenging behaviour
• is becoming isolated and quiet
• is having difficulty learning
• is having difficulty socialising with others

The sooner you get support, the better for your child. If you are worried about your child's speech language or communication and they are under 5 years old, you can visit one of our drop in sessions at a local Family Hub, to talk to a Speech and Language Therapist. You do not need an appointment. You can find out more about events at the Family Hubs on the Best Start in Life page

Find out more about language development on the GOSH website

 Speech and Language Therapists help children with issues such as: 

• Swallowing, Eating and Drinking: dysphagia (swallowing) eating & drinking difficulties. Your GP or Health Visitor can advise if a SALT referral is needed
• Language Delay or Disorder:  working with you/your child to develop their language understanding and expressive skills such as vocabulary and short sentences
• Speech Delay or Disorder:  working with you/your child to develop your child’s speech clarity and range of speech sounds
• Complex Needs and/or Autism: working with you/your child to develop their ways of communicating using objects, pictures, and signs as well as spoken communication. 
• Stammering - working with you/your child to help them understand their stammering and use strategies and techniques to maximise their fluency.

How to get referred to our services

Professionals and parents can refer to Speech and Language Therapy using the referral form. Once your child's referral is accepted, you'll be seen within 18 weeks. You can contact the service by emailing wfspeechtherapy@nhs.net

Downloadable resources

Being at home toolkit for families

Coping with being cooped up

Useful websites

For pre school children you can access:

BBC tiny happy people

Hungry little minds

For school-aged children, you can look at the factsheets on the Speech and Language UK website.

If you are worried about your child’s fluency or stammering