Public Health England have published guidance to help improve speech, language and communication (SLC) in the early years.
Guidance to support local commissioners and service leads
This guidance document includes a: summary of why early language and communication matters and the scale of the problem in England, a ‘model example’ for an integrated early years speech, language and communication pathway built on evidence and implementation experience, and a 4-step implementation plan to help local areas review local needs and service provision to support the development and successful implementation of a whole system approach to improving SLC.
Early Language Identification Measure and Intervention tool
This handbook is a guide for practitioners to carry out the Early Language Identification Measure and Intervention programme as part of the 2 to 2½ year review. It is structured as a conversation with the child’s parent/carer, encouraging practitioners to support the parent/carer to make informed decisions for their child.
The handbook outlines the 3 steps of the Early Language Identification Measure and Intervention programme: assessment, conversation, and intervention.
Case studies
This document contains a collection of peer reviewed case studies which provide national and local examples of speech, language and communication pathways and clarification of how an integrated system can work in practice.
Supporting evidence
This document includes:
- a summary of the ways that early SLC develops and the risk and protective factors that influence this – it sets out a case for prioritisation of the first 1000 days of life and the period up to transition to school to strengthen SLC skills and reduce inequalities in early language.
- key messages, behaviours and strategies that are important in enabling speech, language and communication in the under-fives.
- ways to improve identification, monitoring and assessment of SLCN and determine when additional specialist support is required.
- key features of effective interventions for children with SLCN, designed around the needs of the family. It sets out the important role that parents and those closest to the child play in supporting SLC development.