Speech and language
Speech development, language, communication, learning at home.
Image
The first few years of your child’s life are a crucial time for their communication and language skills.
Services and resources are available that can help you lay the foundation for your child’s speech and language development, including:
- advice on supporting your children at different stages of their life
- organisations that focus on advice and information about speech and language
Support in Cumberland
If you think that your child may need more help and support, try the following:
- talk to your child's keyperson or childminder if they attend an early years setting
- discuss any concerns with your health visitor - Growing healthy 0 to 19 Cumberland
- join a 'Let's Get Talking' group at one of our Family Hubs - more information coming soon
- visit the Speech and Language offer on the Families Information website
The NHS Start for Life website has advice on your child’s language development, including videos, and activities you can do at home or out and about.
They have information for babies, toddlers and pre-school children:
There are some fun ways to help develop your child's early language and communication skills.
CBeebies Parenting
Speech and language on the CBeebies website, with activities, games and stories.
Children's speech and language on the CBeebies parenting website, provides tips and advice to help with children's speech and language skills.
Speech and Language UK
Help for families on the Speech and Language UK website, to help you look out for your child's speech, language and communication milestones.
Words for Life
Tips for helping your baby begin to chat, play and read including when you are out and about.
Visit the Words for Life website.
Library
Join your local library for free and access age appropriate books to take home and enjoy together with your baby or child.
Visit the Libraries and archives section on the Cumberland Council website.
Tips and advice is available online if you feel that your child may need a little more help with early communication.
Children's Speech and Language Therapy
Works with children and young people up to the age of 19 who have speech, language or communication needs.
Visit the NCIC NHS Foundation Trust Children's Speech and Language Therapy website.
Speech and Language UK
Child's progress checker on the Speech and Language UK website, helps give you an idea of how your baby or child is developing.
Talk to a speech and language therapist on the Speech and Language UK website. A free advice line for parents and carers to discuss any concerns you have. There are also a series of webinars to help give you the tools you need to support your child's speech.