Speech, language and communication - Print version

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Finding the right help at the right time to support children and young people with their speech language and communication needs can be confusing.

This page is aimed at helping you find support, guidance and information for a parent, carer or a professional to be able to easily navigate what speech, language and communication support is available in Coventry.

About speech, language and communication

We want every child and young person who lives in Coventry to be supported to reach their full potential with speech, language and communication.

Communication is a two way process where ideas, information, feelings, requests and questions are shared. This may be done through different means such as the understanding and use of spoken or written language including speech sounds, gesture or visual aids.

Information about services to support and help children’s communication is outlined in our local [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/speech-language-development/speech-language/6] and national guidance [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/speech-language-development/speech-language/7] page.

Information on courses and training [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/speech-language-development/speech-language/8] are also available to support children’s communication for practitioners.

Support offer

Universal Offer

The speech, language and communication universal services are available for every child living in Coventry up to the age of 18 and age of 25 if the child has special educational needs.

There are fantastic services in Coventry which can support parents, carers, and professionals with their child’s development.

You can also find a useful map of resources for universal services under our  A-Z universal services for speech language and communication [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7935/a-z-universal-services-of-speech-language-and-communication].

Targeted Offer

The speech, language and communication targeted services, are there to support you if you have some concerns or worries about your child’s speech, language, or communication development.

Some children need input from the speech and language therapy service for a period following on from the universal support, if this is the case, a child can be referred directly to the speech and language therapy service.

The person making the referral will be asked to provide details on what universal support has already been offered to the child, this information helps the therapy team to understand what support has been put in place already.

What if my child needs a referral to a Speech and Language Therapist? (SLT)

Please use the referral form [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/welcome/referral/] to refer a child into this service. Anyone who knows or works with a child/young person can refer to our service (with parental consent), the referral system is open to all children and young people with a Coventry GP.

All referrals are looked at by a qualified speech and language therapist to ensure the most appropriate management is offered to the child.

All children/young people accepted to the service will be offered an assessment with a speech & language therapist. If we need to carry out an initial assessment, we will contact the family/carer directly to arrange this.

The initial assessment mainly take place in clinic at the city of Coventry Health Centre. 

Following the initial assessment the therapist will discuss the findings and next steps with you. On some occasions, the therapist may need time to score the assessments before contacting you to discuss the outcome.

The Speech and Language Therapy Service provide intervention and support for children and young people who meet service criteria. 

To get the most out of intervention the speech language therapy service work together with the child, family, education setting and other important people surrounding the child.

Intervention can be indirect where advice and activities are suggested, these are carried out by families/carers and other professionals such as school staff.

Speech Language and Therapist Poster [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7953/speech-language-therapist-poster] and Leaflet  [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7952/speech-language-therapist-team]offers guidance for families, carers and professionals. 

Specialist Offer

The specialist offer has information and resources are either to support more complicated speech, language, and communication needs or to provide more specialist information and help.

Some children and young people and their families will need specialist level support as well as targeted and universal levels for them to make the progress they wish to make with speech, language, and communication.

Specialist level may not be needed all the time and may be helpful at certain points on a child or young person's journey, this could be direct work with the speech and language therapist. 

We recognise that not all children will fall into one category and as the child gets older they may move up and down between universal, targeted and specialist offer, if you are concerned about a child’s speech, language and communication please ensure you seek help from our Information and resources page. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/speech-language-development/speech-language/8]

Training resources for speech, language and communication

All staff working with children aged 0-18 and 25 years for children with special education needs should have speech language and communication as part of their training and development.

As part of the EYSEND Partnership, Speech and Language UK are offering free training [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/educators-and-professionals/training-courses/eysend-partnership/] for early years workforce, this training is suitable for Family Hub teams, family support workers, family engagement workers, parenting support teams, early help teams, play development workers, creche workers, adult and family learning teams, 0-19 health teams, social care, voluntary sector providers.

The speech and language therapy team offer several free training sessions [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/professionals/training/], which include universal services but numbers are limited, so if you would like to book [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/8034/communication-friendly-and-language-rich-environment-training]yourself/ your team onto any training sessions, please speak to a member of your management team.

NELI [https://oxedandassessment.com/uk/neli-preschool/] delivers oral language enrichment and intervention programme for children in the year before they enter formal education – usually three to four year olds. The programme provides a 20-week evidence-based language intervention for all children, as well as additional targeted support for the children who need it the most. It includes an easy-to-use and reliable assessment of language skills, called LanguageScreen, CPD-certified training and end-to-end support.

Professional Development Training Programme [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/early-years-childcare/workforce-development-early-years-childcare-providers] - The Coventry Early Years and Childcare Professional Development Training Programme, outlines training and briefing opportunities for Coventry Ofsted registered Childminders, Private, Voluntary and Independent Nurseries, playgroups, Out of School Clubs and School Nurseries/Reception classes.

The National Literacy Trust [https://literacytrust.org.uk/training-and-workshops/] evidence-based CPD and inspiring conferences to help evaluate, plan and take action to improve literacy outcomes in your setting. The training offer helps professionals to develop skills through innovative best practice and the latest research with training courses and events, designed to help you take action to improve literacy outcomes.

Speech, language and communication referral pathway

For guidance and support for referrals for children and when is the right time to speak to a speech and language therapist please see the  Speech, Language and Communication Referral Pathwa [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/download/7934/speech-language-and-communication-referral-pathway]y [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/43309/speech-language-and-communication-referral-pathway], which is targeted at professionals. 

Local support and guidance

Coventry Family Portal [https://www.coventryfamilies.co.uk/] is a free online platform that has lots of guides, support and information of when and where your nearest session for children's speech and language will be held. 

Coventry Family Information Directory [https://cid.coventry.gov.uk/kb5/coventry/directory/family.page?familychannel=0] has all the links for support for children and young people, including information about finding suitable childcare, such as a childminder, nursery / playgroup. These childcare providers will support and help assess children’s speech, language and communication skills, if a child attends their provision.

Coventry Speech and Language Therapist Service [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/] have put together some fantastic top tips [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Adult-interaction-strategies-combined.pdf] and online videos that are available for Parents and Carers.

Ethnic Minority Achievement Service [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/ethnic-minority-achievement-service-emas] (EMAS) has lots of support for multilingual families.

Family Hubs [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/familyhubs] are places where children, young people and their families can go when in need of help and support. Families can access any of the eight hubs across the city and staff will work in partnership with you and your community. The Family Hub Staff will provide you with information, advice and support and ensure that you get the right help at the right time from a range of different services. Family Hubs provide universal activities available to all Coventry families through Stay Together, Play Together sessions (0-5 years) and Baby and Me sessions (0-2 years) where both have a focus on communication and language development. For more information please visit (www.coventryfamilies.co.uk [http://www.coventryfamilies.co.uk] ) or contact your local Family Hub on 0800 8870545.

Libraries: [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/libraries] There are many Libraries across Coventry who hold Free Rhyme Time sessions [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/rhymetime], which are a great place for toddlers to use language in a fun and engaging way. The library service also works with partners at South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust who sometimes attend rhyme time sessions with useful health and wellbeing advice for your little ones.

Online Services [https://coventry.50thingstodo.org/app/os#!/welcome]: There are 2 free apps that are available to all parents to help support speech, language, and communication for their child, 50 things to do [https://coventry.50thingstodo.org/app/os#!/welcome] and Easy Peasy App. [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/59906/using-50-things-and-easy-peasy-supporting-families-with-play-and-learning-at-home]

Phone Services Support [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/directory-record/59248/health-visiting]: If you want to speak to a Health Visitor about advice for your child’s speech and language development, there is a chat health messaging service that is manned Monday to Friday by a trained member of staff.

Text Chat to 07507 329114, Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm

Telephone 024 7518 9190 (8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday).

Progress Tracker: [https://progress-checker.speechandlanguage.org.uk/] Over 1.9 million children currently struggle with talking and understanding words, if you would like to see how far your child has developed with their talking, please see the progress tracker below.

Ready Steady Grow  [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/start-life/ready-steady-grow/4]  Offers guidance and support to help with your child's physical development, communication and Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

Learning about pregnancy, parenting and babies can help you to prepare for having a newborn. Finding out ways to stay well and healthy in pregnancy and leaning about parenting can help give your baby the best start in life.

SEND Local Offer [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/sendsupport]: supports children and families with speech and communication development.

Start for Life: [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/start-life] In Coventry, we want all children to get the Best Start for Life. To do this, we are making sure that there is a focus on the first 1,001 days of a child’s life, from conception to the age of two. Experiences during this time build the foundations for emotional and physical wellbeing and will influence children’s futures.

National support and guidance

Asylum and Refugees [https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/resources/guidance/schools-and-leaders/welcoming-refugee-and-asylum-seeking-learners/] There are resources for schools welcoming newly arrived learners who speak English as an Additional Language (EAL).

Afasic Voice for Life [https://www.afasic.org.uk/] Afasic is a UK Charity established to help children and young people affected by the hidden disability of speech, language and communication impairments. Enquiries: 020 7490 9410 UK helpline: 0845 355 55 77

BBC Tiny Happy People [https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people]- When children start school they should be able to speak to their new friends in full sentences, ask teachers simple questions and understand what they’re told to do. When they have these skills they’ll feel more confident and they’ll be happier.

Better Health Start for Life [https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/early-learning-development/] The place for trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

Cerebra [https://cerebra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Communication-1.pdf] A guide for parents for Children with Severe or Profound Intellectual Disabilities.

CLAPA [https://www.clapa.com/] Cleft Lip and Palate Association

The Communication Trust [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/educators-and-professionals/what-works-database/register/] The Communication Trust is a coalition of nearly 50 voluntary and community organisations with expertise in speech, language and communication. They harness their collective expertise to support the children’s workforce and commissioners to support the communication needs of all children and young people, particularly those with SLCN. Enquiries tel: 0207 843 2526

Communication Matters [https://www.communicationmatters.org.uk/] is a national voluntary organisation of members concerned with augmentative and alternative communications. Tel: 0845 456 8211

Deafblind Guide [https://www.sense.org.uk/information-and-advice/ways-of-communicating/deafblind-manual/#:~:text=Deafblind%20Manual%20is%20a%20way,work%20better%20with%20touch%20only.] offers support and also has a very inclusive Deafblind guide on communication

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/developmental-language-disorder-awareness/]) - offers support and guidance

Downs Syndrome Association [https://www.downs-syndrome.org.uk/](DSE)

GOV.UK [https://www.gov.uk/] The Government's information website.

Key Messaging Cards [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/resource-library-for-families/key-message-cards/]- Top Tips for parents and carers and available in a range of languages.

Makaton [https://www.makaton.org/] Charity Resources and training for parents, carers and professionals for using Makaton signs and symbols. Tel: 01276 606760

NAPLIC [https://www.naplic.org.uk/] is an organisation for teachers, speech and language therapists and other professionals that exists to promote and increase the awareness and understanding of children and young people with speech, language and communication needs, amongst all the professionals involved in meeting their needs.

National Autistic Society. [https://www.autism.org.uk/] offers a wide range of information about autism. There are 24 different topics, including diagnosis [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis], behaviour [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/behaviour], communication [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication], loneliness [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/loneliness], sensory differences [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/sensory-differences/sensory-differences], mental health [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/mental-health], benefits and money [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/benefits-and-money], education [https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/education], and more.

National Deaf Children's Society [https://www.ndcs.org.uk/] Supports every deaf child who needs us – no matter what their level or type of deafness or how they communicate.

National Literacy Trust [https://literacytrust.org.uk/] - Words for Life [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/parent-support/chatting-your-baby/]- Empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life as well as providing helpful resources and tools to support early language [https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/] development and parental engagement. 

Signalong [https://www.signalong.org.uk/] A registered charity which provides resources and training in visual communication based on British Sign Language

Speech and Language UK [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/] For 1.9 million children in the UK, learning to talk and understand words feels like an impossible hurdle. So we give children and young people the skills they need so they aren’t left behind, waiting to be understood.

What is Stammering? [https://stamma.org/about-stammering/stammering-facts/what-is-stammering]

SMIRA [https://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/] - Selective Mutism & Research Association- Support and guidance.

Talk to your baby [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/] is a national campaign to encourage parents and carers to talk more to the children aged 0-3. Websites have information and resources to develop interaction, communication and language skills in preschool ages children. (Also guidance has been made for Professionals [https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/talk-your-baby-conference/])

The Bell Foundation [https://www.bell-foundation.org.uk/] offers guidance and support for schools to improve speech and language of those children where English is a second language.

Parent and carer support for children's communication development

The earlier we start chatting to babies, the better! Talking to your baby helps them learn about the world around them.

As well as there being lots of helpful advice on the  Coventry Family Portal [https://www.coventryfamilies.co.uk/] for parents and carers there are also some helpful resources that can be used at home with your child from the National Literacy Trust [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/] website. 

Talk to your baby as you go about your daily routine [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/little-moments-together-cards/], for example, as you get ready to go out make sure your baby can see you as you chat, it doesn’t matter what you say, just tell your baby what you’re doing.

For example: We’re getting ready to go out now ... Look, Daddy is putting on shoes ... Now it’s time to put on your coat ... We’re ready to go now ... I wonder what we'll see on our way to the shops ... I hear a dog barking.

Words for Life [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/little-moments-together-cards/]- The prompts in the cards will give you new ideas for conversations, which will support you to introduce new words to your baby. This will help them begin talking and communicating [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/activities/how-to-encourage-baby-to-talk/], they are free and can be downloaded or used online.

For activity ideas and advice on how to support your child's speech and communication at home, visit the National Literacy Trust Words for Life Website [https://wordsforlife.org.uk/themes/start-for-life/].

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) provides assessment, advice and intervention for children who have difficulties communicating (understanding and/or expressing their needs) or have eating, drinking, and swallowing difficulties.

Parents/carers are invited to all assessment and intervention sessions. The speech and language therapists set their speech and language therapy targets along with the child / young person and their families. 

Some children have very specific needs which require our input urgently. This includes children with swallowing difficulties or those who have recently had a major head injury or surgery, leading to sudden onset speech, language, or communication difficulties. These children tend to be referred directly to us via their doctor. 

Coventry Speech and Language Therapist Service [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/] have put together some fantastic top tips [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Adult-interaction-strategies-combined.pdf] and online videos that are available for Parents and Carers.

Who should I contact if I have concerns?

You can also get free help and advice from Speech and Language UK [https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/talk-to-a-speech-and-language-therapist/ ] 

How do I know if my child has a difficulty with speech, language, or communication? 

Children typically develop certain skills at certain age ranges. However, it is worth noting that all children are different and that there is a very wide range of ‘typical’ development.  You may be concerned if your child has:

  • unclear speech
  • a stutter/stammer
  • difficulty understanding you
  • difficulty using the right words or making sentences
  • an unusual voice quality
  • difficulty talking in certain social situations or environment.

If you are unsure if your child needs to see a speech and language therapist, please refer to the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Referral Leaflet [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/downloads/file/43372/speech-language-therapist-poster] for more information and support or their online [https://www.coventrychildrensslt.co.uk/families/] page.

Expected ages and stages

Over 1.9 million children currently struggle with talking and understanding words, if you would like to see how far your child has developed with their talking, please see the Progress Tracker [https://progress-checker.speechandlanguage.org.uk/].

Pathways for professionals

For guidance and support for referrals for children to speak to a speech and language therapist please see the Speech, Language and Communication Referral Pathway [https://www.coventry.gov.uk/speech-language-development/speech-language/5]

Books and stories to share together

Libraries

At Coventry Libraries we will welcome you and your child.

Libraries are a great way to share books with your child. Libraries are free to join and your child is never too young to join. You can get a library card for your baby as soon as they are born.

To get a library card for your child you simply need to visit your local library and complete a membership form. No identification is needed for your child to join and once they have their library card you can borrow books for free on their behalf.

Coventry Libraries has a great selection of books for under fives. These include board books, touchy/feely books, pop-up books and picture books.

Local libraries also have rhymetimes and storytimes, and information about these and other activities and events is available by contacting your local library [https://librarycatalogue.coventry.gov.uk/whats-on#/].

Getting started

Sharing books and stories is a great way to encourage talking and listening. Its never too early to start. Even very young babies will enjoy listening to your voice as you read a very simple story or sing a rhyme. Reading to them can be very calming for small children, especially when the sound of your voice is coupled with favourite stories or characters. Books can also be a great way of passing the time enjoyably on a journey or when waiting for an appointment. Keeping a bag of books nearby at all times can be a life saver!

Here are some tips to help get you started

  • Choose a quiet time
  • Find a comfy place
  • Talk about the pictures
  • Give your child time to respond
  • Encourage your child to join in
  • Keep it short, little and often is best
  • Be prepared to share favourite books again and again
  • Cuddle up with a book and enjoy some quality time together

Ideas for having fun with books and stories

There are lots of places you can buy books and they do not need to be very expensive. Bookshops, supermarkets, toy shops, charity shops and libraries are just some options for you to explore. You can also borrow books from your local library.

Here are some ideas to help you choose the best books for your child. These are simple things to look out for to get the most from your books.

Choosing books for babies

Board books are a great starting point for babies. Look out for sturdy, solid pages that look as if they will stand some rough treatment. Babies love to chew on books and throw them about!

Some storybooks aimed at older children are now appearing in board book format. Babies are not ready to learn how to read yet and are unable to understand stories. Board books using either no words or only one or two words are much more suitable at this stage.

Babies love brightly coloured, simple pictures. Your baby may not be ready to talk or count yet but baby books are a great way to gently introduce children to early concepts such as colours, numbers up to 5 and opposites. Simple pictures without too many details are ideal. With a book on colours for example, look for books with one colour to a page rather than lots of colours simply labelled up on one page.

Your baby will want to learn about the world around them and one way you can encourage this is by choosing books with simple familiar subjects. Board books on farm animals, the weather, getting dressed or household objects for example, are ideal ways of introducing your baby to simple ideas.

Books featuring simple rhymes and songs are a nice way to guide you to singing and talking to your baby. Books showing action rhymes are also great for developing co-ordination and encouraging movement and exercise.

Lots of babies like looking at pictures of other babies! There are now a number of books with photographs of babies and toddlers. Sometimes they have mirrors attached for example. These are great fun for you and your child to play with.

Touchy, feely, noisy books are all great for babies to explore. Pop-up books and flap books are also fun to catch your baby's attention and keep them interested.

Safety is important and some books will say that they are not suitable for children under 3 years/36 months old. Please take care to check that the book is safe for your child.

The most important thing is that you can enjoy sharing books with your child, and they enjoy it too.

Books for toddlers and pre-school children

All of the suggestions for choosing baby books are also still relevant for toddlers. Toddlers love repetition and can gain confidence and reassurance from still looking at books they had as babies.

Toddlers will enjoy simple stories. Choose stories that you think you will like yourself. Your enjoyment will rub off on your child. Take your child with you and allow them to choose a book themselves. Sometimes a book that doesn't grab you immediately can become a firm favourite with your child.

Stories about familiar subjects may appeal to your child. If you own a pet cat for example, a book about cats may appeal to you and your child.

Books on unfamiliar topics are also equally useful in showing your child things they may not normally experience day to day. Lions are not a familiar sight on your local high street, but you can meet them in books!

Allowing your child to explore imaginary worlds is a way of encouraging them to develop their own imaginations. With an older child who understands basic concepts, you can also chat about these stories and explore what is real and imaginary. 

Books available from Coventry Libraries and Information Services

The following titles are available in the city libraries. You can find more on the Bookstart website [https://www.booktrust.org.uk]. Information and book reviews are kindly supplied from booklists with each Bookstart pack.

Great books for babies

  • Row, Row, Row your boat (#6 Rhyme Time on 50 Things to do app) – Annie Kubler, Child’s Play, ISBN 9781786287557
  • Pocket Pop-up Peekaboo Farm (#32 Where have I gone? On 50 Things to do app) – Dorling Kindersley, ISBN 9780241673799

Great books for toddlers and pre- schoolers

  • Luna loves library day (#10 Sharing Books on 50 Things to do app) – Joseph Coelho, Andersen Press, ISBN 9781783445950.
  • If you’re happy and you know it (#7 Making Music on 50 Things to do app) – Anna McQuinn, Barefoot Books, ISBN 9781646864430
  • A busy day for birds (#24 Hop, Skip, Jump on 50 Things to do app) – Lucy Cousins, Walker Books, ISBN 9781406376548

Your questions answered

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