Speech & Language Support for Early Years Providers

Please note that this support does not replace the Speech & Language Therapy Service.  If a child has significant difficulties communicating, please refer to S&LT Service via the website:

https://www.ghc.nhs.uk/our-teams-and-services/childrens-slt/

Speech & Language Support for Early Years

Gloucestershire Children’s Speech and Language Therapy Service offers an email support service for early years providers when concerns about a child’s speech, language and communication development are first identified.

Please contact Rebecca.skinner@ghc.nhs.uk with your questions/concerns and a response will be made within a maximum 10 working days.   All enquiries must be supported by an assessment/tool to evidence need.   Enquiries should be anonymised where possible.   In exceptional circumstances, parental consent must be gained before making enquiry. 

Typical Queries:

• There is clear need as evidenced using ECAT/progress review/RFL etc and child has not yet been referred to S&LT Service
• Provider has implemented interventions/resources, but child is not making expected progress
• Provider is unsure what interventions/resources to use
• Provider is unsure whether to make a referral to S&LT Service
• Provider has a cohort of children presenting with speech, language and communication delay/difficulties
• Provider would like support to develop a “communication friendly” environment

Typical Support Offered:

• Recommendation of strategies/techniques/resources to support speech and/or language development
• Advice and support to develop a “communication friendly” environment
• Discussion about potential referral to S&LT Service
• Discussion about what to look for/when to be concerned.