Speech, language and communication

Speech, language and communication are central life skills. It's essential that everyone working with children and young people understand the importance of their role in supporting and developing these crucial skills. This page has all the core support and information available for children in York aged 0 to 5-years-old.

Early Talk for York

Early Talk for York is an approach designed to improve the speech, language and communication outcomes for children 0 to 5 years of age.

Good communication skills at 5 years of age are strongly linked with a range of positive outcomes in later life, including:

reading and writing skills
employment
mental and physical health and wellbeing

The Early Talk for York approach trains staff in primary schools and early years settings so they can spot any issues with speech, communication and language early and work with the child and their family or carers, as well as other professionals if necessary, to address them.

Early Talk for York provides a consistent assessment of children’s speech, communication and language, which Early Years and school settings can use routinely to identify any speech, communication or language problems in the children they’re working with.

Early Talk for York works with professionals, including speech therapists and with families, to help address any issues.

In a pilot project working with schools and early years providers in the west of York, children in the pilot group showed significantly improved speech and communication skills at age 5 years, compared to children who did not receive the same programme of support.

The programme is now being rolled out across York to all primary schools and early years providers, and we want everyone to get involved.

Ways to get involved:

Speech, Language and Communication Hub

The Speech, Language and Communication Hub is a collective of practitioners with a particular interest in speech, language and communication. It is based on a co-production model with the overarching aim of offering peer support, mentoring and guidance led by practitioners for practitioners.

Speech, Language and Communication Handbook

The Speech, Language and Communication handbook has information and links to useful websites that will support practitioners to further support families and children with a speech, language and communication need.

Communication Toolbox

Communication Toolbox presentation (PowerPoint) can be used as a training resource as an introduction to the toolbox.