Speech, language, and communication needs
Speech, language, and communication is important for:
- making our needs known
- expressing our likes and dislikes
- building relationships with others
- learning, including reading
- understanding and controlling emotions or feelings.
There are many different types of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN). Children might struggle with one, some, or all parts of speech which can happen at different points in their lives. Some may also have special educational needs.
In Kent, SLCN is the most common need in early years and primary schools. It is the second most common need in secondary schools. With the right support at the right time, children with SLCN can thrive.
Views of children with SLCN
We spoke to children who have SLCN and asked them how they feel:
"I say I don't know because I don't know how to explain"
"I don't understand, you're saying too much to me"
"Don't ask me to read aloud or in front of my friends"
"Others ignore me or walk away when I'm talking"
"I don't know what to say, and can't use the right words"
"People don't listen to me"
"Sometimes I do things to get in trouble to avoid talking or asking for help"
Children and young people in Kent's voice as told to professionals
Helping your child's speech, language, and communication skills and needs
You play a key role in helping your child learn to speak, understand language, and communicate. Every interaction supports their brain development. Even before they are born.
Remember, speech, language, and communication skills develop at different rates. However, knowing what is typical can help identify difficulties early on. Here are some recommended resources to help you. They also offer advice and strategies to help you child whatever stage they are at.
- The ages and stages guide from Speech and Language UK.
- Development ‘skyscraper’ tool from the Speech and Language Link parent portal
- The Pod from Kent Community Health Foundation Trust for school-aged children
If you are worried, there are lots of people who can provide support. Select your child’s age below for some guidance on who to ask.
From bump to 5-year-olds, discover tips to support your child from Kent Family Hubs.
Or, if you have concerns, speak to:
- your child's health visitor
- your child's early years setting
- staff at your local Family Hub.
Your health visitor will carry out regular checks of your child. At age 2-and-a-half, they will use a tool called the Early Language Identification Measure (ELIM) . This tool helps them to discover what support your child may need.
Your child's early years setting will be able help your child’s communication and interaction needs . Staff will use the the best practice guidance for the early years to support your help. They may also have staff trained to deliver specific interventions such as Early Talk Boost.
Your local Family Hub also have activities and groups. They may also have staff trained to deliver specific interventions. For example, The Communication Tree and Little Talkers groups.
For school-aged children, access the Speech and Language Link parent portal and visit the development tab to help you work out what the next steps are for your child’s learning, then go to the stage-appropriate activities section.
If your child attends school, talk to their teacher. Or, the school's SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator).
Many schools are trained to use resources to screen for difficulties and provide support including:
- Nuffield Early Language Intervention
- SpeechLink
- LanguageLink.
Your child’s school may also have access to a link speech and language therapist. They can provide help for:
- school-wide strategies
- targeted provisions or if needed
- focused individual support.
If your child’s school does not yet have access to a link speech and language therapist and it is felt that more support is required, they may discuss a referral to your local speech and language therapy service.
Speech and language therapy services
You can also get help from your local speech and language therapy service depending on where you live:
| District you live in | Help |
|---|---|
| Talking Walk-ins |
| KCHFT Advice Line |
| Swale | Children's Therapy |
If your child has a permanent and substantial disability which impacts the ability to do daily activities find your nearest therapy and health service for targeted and specialist support.
Other help
| Need | Support |
|---|---|
| General support |
Or, why not visit our Local Offer Directory for local and national speech, language, and communication needs support. |
| Autism | |
| Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) | RADLD - Raising Awareness of Developmental Language Disorder |
| Down's syndrome | |
| Selective mutism | |
| Stammering (also known as stuttering or dysfluency) | |
| Voice disorders |