Speech and language delay in children can have added pressure on parents. What can nurseries do to help support them?
Children that attend early years settings can often need additional support in particular areas of their development. Speech and Language development is fundamental in ensuring children are able to communicate their needs and interests yet it is estimated that around 6% of children aged two to five years old experience speech and language delay or disorders. Early intervention is key in providing the correct support for these children, improving their outcomes for school. Parents can find this situation difficult to deal with or understand. It is the responsibility of practitioners to support both the child and their parents through this difficult time, offering advice and strategies on how to support speech and language.
Working with other professionals;
Early Years settings should work alongside a multi-agency team of professionals such Speech and Language therapists, to ensure the child and family have access to as much support as possible. Some children will only require minor support for their speech and language development; which can be provided within the setting by the key worker alongside the settings SENCO or Speech and Language Champion. However children that require additional support may be referred to a speech and language therapist. It is important to get parents on board with this decision by explaining the process to them and answering any questions they may have openly and honestly. Many parents are often concerned if their child needs additional support, and can cause them to think that their child is “behind”. Practitioners can ease this worry by explaining to parents that early intervention helps children best prepare for school and that by getting support sooner rather than later can help them to meet their goals. Practitioners are unable to refer a child to Speech and Language Therapy without parental permission so making parents understand that the process is a positive one will help to get the support required.
Gathering evidence;
When referring a child to Speech and Language Therapy, the practitioner must gather as much evidence as possible to support the referral form. This evidence should include a range of observations on the child, up to date developmental tracking and if possible any screening already done on the child. Speech and Language Champions are qualified to carry out WellComm screening on a child who shows speech and language delay, with parental permission. This screening tool enables the setting to make an informed decision on the support needed for the child; alongside providing supporting information if a referral is required. Parents should be made aware if a practitioner has concerns about a child’s speech and language development, and the use of the WellComm screening tool explained to them. The tool involves carrying out some fun activities with the child on a 1:1 basis to assess their language abilities and breakdown the areas in which a child may require support. The results of the WellComm should be shared with parents, allowing them to be an active part of the decision-making process.
After the referral to Speech and Language has been made, practitioners will receive information from the Speech and Language Therapy team including reports from meetings with both child and parents with activities that can be used in the setting and at home. It is important that the practitioner stays in regular contact with the parent; sharing information and keeping an open and approachable relationship. This will help the parents feel at ease about the process and confident in asking any questions.