Speech and Language Therapy and Children’s Centres

Speech and language Therapists (SLT) provide care and support for children and their families who have difficulties with speech, language and communication difficulties and/or difficulties with eating, drinking and swallowing.

In Children’s Centres Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) work in close collaboration with children’s centre staff to offer support and help for children from under 2 years to rising 5 years.

Early Years’ Research shows that early language skills are powerful predictors of later life chances. Early identification leading to early intervention for children with speech, language and communication difficulties is fundamental in reducing the risk of difficulties later on in life. 

SLTs work in Children’s Centres to:

  • Prevent the development of speech language and communication  problems occurring
  • Identify potential speech language and communications difficulties in children early  so that support can be offered as soon as possible

SLTs offer a range of early advice, assessment and interventions to support better outcomes for children.

We offer:

  • First Time Parents sessions
    Providing early play and communication advice and information to first time Parents of children under a year old. 
  • Play and Communication Profile
    Enabling children centre staff to identify and remediate a child’s play and communication skills within the stay and play sessions.
  • TalkACTivity
    A programme of specially designed play and communication sessions hosted by the Early Intervention Workers and the Speech and Language team. 

These sessions are for children who have been identified as requiring support in developing their early play and communication skills.

  • Access and Advice /Triage Assessments
    Speech and language triage session for children who are identified as requiring speech and language support via the outcome of their play and communication profile. 

What you can do if you are concerned about your child’s talking

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s speech language and communication skills please contact your local children’s centre.

Additional Information

If you would like some more information on how you can help your child with their talking and communication skills please visit: