communication.There are many different agencies that work together to support children and young people in speech, language and communication.
Professionals for example health visitors, speech therapists, social workers and teachers are some of the people who will be involved if needed to offer support.The preliminary need for support from a multi- agency team is because a concern has been made that a child or young people needs further support, this concern can be made by a health visitor, parent or someone who looks after children. Following the concern the child or young people should have an eyesight test and hearing test to rule out if there are any problems. A referral will be made by the child’s or young people GP or health visitor. At this point a multi-agency team will be put together, depending on the individual’s needs. The correct professionals will be chosen, they will have to share information amongst, themselves, with regular meetings they will discuss the child or young people’s needs and work out a plan to provide the right help and support.
Professionals that can be included in the team are anyone whose work is in contact with children or young people and their family, so people that work in jobs like social work, health care, police, youth work, education and early years. So for instance a child or young person who has a speech disorder their team of professionals will include a speech and language therapist, teacher and behavioural therapist.4.3 Explain how play and activities are used to support the development of speech, language and communication.There are lots of easy activities that can be done with your child or young people to help develop their speech and language skills.
o Be a good model – speak clearly, slowly and face your child when speaking. If the word or sentence your child says is incorrect, instead of correcting them or asking them to repeat it, just say the word or sentence back to them correctly to show you have understood. This way your child always hears the correct version. Speak to them using language they can understand, and explain any new words.o Make time to sit down with your child – even if it is just for a few minutes a day, spend some quiet time with your child, away from distractions.
Look at a book together and talk about the pictures.
