Speech, language and communication

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

The most important skills needed for communication are attention and listening skills. All other communication skills are based upon the ability to pay attention and listen.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

Play is your child’s way of exploring and learning about the world. It can help them understand new words and learn how to communicate with others. Playing and social skills are important for your child to learn.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

Understanding spoken language helps children follow instructions, answer questions, understand stories and identify objects and pictures. A child’s understanding of language is usually ahead of their ability to use language.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

The use of language or 'expressive language' is how your child is learning to say new words and put them together into sentences. It also includes non-verbal communication like gestures.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

Speech sounds are the individual sounds we use to make words. The sounds we make when we speak are made from the voice box (larynx), mouth muscles, jaw, lips, teeth, and tongue. In English we have 46 sounds for 26 letters of the alphabet.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years
• Parents and Carers

Bilingualism is the ability to communicate in two or more languages. Information and advice for parents on bringing your child up bilingual, the benefits of bilingualism, and some ways you can encourage your bilingual child. Professionals advice on what to expect from a bilingual child.

• 0-1 Years

Infants and babies can communicate from the moment they are born. As soon as they arrive, your baby is learning about speech, language, and communication. It's important to talk to your baby and to encourage them to notice noises and sounds. Learn more about eye-contact and showing your baby new sounds.

• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

As children grow older, their list of known words becomes bigger and more complicated. They learn new ways to put words together into sentences. Their understanding and comprehension of spoken, non-spoken and written communication also progresses. 

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• SEND

Learning to talk is a key milestone for children however talking can be intimidating. Learn about using copying techniques and words to encourage your toddler or child to talk. Find advice on whether dummies or pacifiers can impact speech development.

• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder. It is where a person who is able to speak, cannot speak in specific situations or to certain people. Selective mutism will often come with shyness or anxiety.

• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years
• SEND

Stammering (also known as stuttering, dysfluency or non-fluency) is where there is a problem that disrupts the flow and timing of speech. It can develop gradually or your child can suddenly start stammering.

• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years

Learning to tell a story and sequence events are essential skills for children and teenagers to learn. It will help them understand the order of events and how to tell an engaging story. These stories can be from their imagination or repeating the events of the day.

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• 11-19 Years
• All Groups

Playing can be a great way for your child to exercise but playing also helps children learn. They learn how to interact with their surroundings, find their interests and learn about the world around them. It’s also a great way to build a relationship with your child and create memories together. 

• 0-1 Years
• 1-5 Years
• 5-11 Years
• SEND
• Parents and Carers

Tongue tie is when the tongue is restricted. This is caused by the fold under your tongue (also known as the frenulum) being too tight or short. It can also cause the tip of the tongue to look blunt, forked or have a heart shape in appearance. Read about the impact on speech and ways to treat tongue tie