Supporting Speech, Language and Communication

About this course.

Speech, language and communication are the foundations of childhood. Through them children make sense of the world, build relationships, learn to read and write, manage their feelings and behaviour, and take part in everything that happens around them. When a child struggles in this area, the effects can reach into almost every part of their development — which is why supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is one of the most valuable things any early-years practitioner, teacher or teaching assistant can do. SLCN is one of the most common types of special educational need, particularly in the early years, and covers a wide range of difficulties, from producing clear speech sounds to understanding language, finding words, and the social side of communication such as turn-taking and reading cues. For some children these needs are short-lived; for others, such as those with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), they are long-term.

This course explains what SLCN is, how speech, language and communication differ, and why early language matters so much for learning, literacy, behaviour, emotional wellbeing and life chances. It sets out practical, everyday strategies that help all children to communicate — a communication-friendly environment, processing time, modelling and expanding language, visual supports, and commenting rather than questioning — and explains when and how to involve a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT). Throughout, the approach is strengths-based and supportive, focused on what children can do and how the adults around them can help. The course concludes with a 20-question multiple-choice assessment, which you must pass at 80% to earn your CPD certificate.