There are lots of ways to support your child's speech and language development through incorporating strategies in everyday activities. Further information regarding this can be found on the websites below:

RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) — The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (abbreviated as RCSLT) is the professional body for  speech and language therapists in the United Kingdom and is a registered charity. 

STAMMA —STAMMA is a charity that offers services, training, helpline, employment and advocacy for people who stammer in the UK.

National Autistic Society— The National Autistic Society is the leading charity for  autistic people  and provides support, guidance and advice, as well as campaigning for improved rights, services and opportunities to help create a society that works for autistic people.

SMIRA (Selective Mutism Information & Research Association)— SMIRA is a UK Charity that supports families with selectively mute children. It also provides information to health and education professionals involved in the upbringing of such children and young people.

Makaton — Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression.

Signalong— Signalong is a key word sign-supported communication system based on British sign language and is used in spoken word order. It uses speech, sign, body language, facial expression and voice tone to reference the link between sign and word.

BBC Tiny Happy People — Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's communication skills. Explore simple activities and play ideas to support your child’s development.

Down’s Syndrome Association— A national organisation, committed to improving quality of life for people who have Down’s syndrome, promoting their right to be included on a full and equal basis with others.  

Speech and Language UK — Speech and Language UK is a charity that provides free resources and services to help children and adults with speech and language challenges.

Afasic— This website supports parents and represents children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.

Thurrock local offer— A Local Offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their families, information about what support services the council thinks are available in their local area.

Essex local offer— A Local Offer gives children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), and their families, information about what support services the council thinks are available in their local area.

Family Hubs Essex and Thurrock — Bringing together local services and advice for babies, children, young people and their families, including Start for Life services for 0 to 2 year olds.

National Deaf Children’s Association— The National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS) is a British charity dedicated to providing support, information and advice for  deaf  children and young people, their families and professionals working with them.

SNAP — SNAP is an Essex charity for families with children and young people who have any additional need or disability.

Speech and language therapy benefits people of all ages, for example:

Infants: Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) support premature babies and infants with conditions such as cerebral palsy, cleft palate and Down syndrome from very early in life as well as infants who have difficulties with drinking/swallowing and developing in their early play and communication skills.

Children/Young people: Speech and Language Therapists support children with primary speech, language and communication difficulties for example, developmental language disorder (DLD), speech sounds or selective mutism.

This website has a lot of information regarding both typical development and when to consider a referral.

For pre-school children, please contact drop-in@nelft.nhs.uk and your child can be seen at an advice session where you can discuss your concerns.

For school aged children, we would always advise discussing your concerns with your child's teacher/SENco.

The venue will be determined by the age of the child.

For pre-school children and children where there are concerns regarding early communication development, speech sounds and stammering, they are likely to be seen in a local clinic. It is expected that parents/carers will attend these appointments.

For school aged children with concerns regarding language development they may be seen in their school. The therapist will inform you of where the appointment will be.

The therapist will discuss with the parent/carer their concerns and complete a case history to gain further information (this may have been completed alongside the referral).

Assessment will vary depending on the age/needs of the child and could include all or some of the following:

• Observation through play
• Observation in the class
• Informal assessments
• Standardised and formal assessments and discussion with the child/young person

At the end of the assessment, you will be provided with feedback and advice.

The service can be arranged for a professional interpreter to be present. We require this person to be booked by our service rather than a family member interpreting.

Some children may need further sessions to support the development of their speech, language and communication. This will be determined by a number of factors such as:

• Area of need
• Service criteria
• Child's readiness for therapy
• Child/Parental engagement

Children are often discharged following assessment. A care plan will be provided with specific advice. This will also include information on when and how to refer if further support is required.

Other reasons for discharge include:

• The child/young person no longer requires intervention
• They no longer meet the service criteria
• Their speeech, language and communication needs can be met via universal and targeted approaches within the setting
• The family or setting are unable to carry out the activities at that period of time
• The child/young person is not ready or motivated for therapy
• Family have moved out of area
• Non-attendance

If further advice or support is needed following discharge, please call the advice line on 0300 300 1818 on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 1-3PM.