A flexible approach to early speech and language interventions

During the SSBC Parent Consultation (2020), parents asked for more speech and language activities to do at home. They also said they would benefit from greater awareness of children’s developmental milestones.

To address this need, SSBC launched a partnership with the Nottinghamshire HealthCare NHS Foundation Trust, Early Intervention Speech and Language team in January 2021.

So far, the team have supported around 400 children and families across the SSBC wards through several evidence-based interventions
•   SPLATT - Home visits for babies needing help with their communication development.
•   Tiny Steps to Talking - Learning through play sessions. Sharing ideas to help children listen & talk.
•   Home Talk - Home visits for children who need some help with their language development.
•   Let's Talk with Under 5s - A free, accredited speech & language course for parents and caregivers about supporting their child's communication skills.

The support continues to improve the lives of families.

“It’s nice to have the one to one support as it’s individual to my child. Every child has different needs and in a group that isn’t always something that can be met. It’s great the service delivers one to one support in the home, especially as I have mental health needs and having it in the home makes me feel at ease. When you have complex needs- whether that’s myself as a parent or my child- it makes you both feel more at ease and comfortable being in your own surroundings.”

Parent

Sadly, we now say goodbye to Dave McDonald, Speech & Language Therapist and Project Lead for the Early Intervention Speech & Language team, who will begin a new adventure at Nottingham City Council.

Over the last few years, the team have taken a collaborative approach, working with other services, professionals and volunteers (including parent champions and ambassadors) to achieve the best outcomes for children. They continue to adapt the service to make it as accessible as possible to every child.

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with Dave and the SLC team. Under Dave’s leadership, we have been able to successfully introduce brand new services into Nottingham City to support babies, children and families in SSBC wards to improve speech and language. Dave’s knowledge and experience of speech and language are absolutely exceptional and this has driven many service innovations to better meet speech and language needs at the earliest possible time. Whilst we look forward to working with a new SLC leader, Dave will be very much missed. ”

Alison Poxon, SSBC Project Manager

“I have loved developing our new speech and language services in partnership with Small Steps Big Changes over the last two years. It’s been a pleasure to get to know so many of the committed, talented people who work together in Nottingham to improve the lives of young children. I think some of the strengths of the Early Intervention Speech and Language team in Nottingham have been our commitments to working collaboratively, and to making our services as accessible as possible for every child who needs them. I know the team will continue to do that and continue supporting many more children and families in Nottingham! ”

Dave McDonald

It’s important for children to develop their speaking and listening skills as early as possible.

SSBC provides free speech and language support for parents with children aged 1-4 who live in our wards.

Find out more

Access the Early Intervention Speech and Language Team Delivery and Impact Report: 2021 to 2022 here

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