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Early Language: Speech and Language Therapy (Under 5s)

Early Language: Speech and Language Therapy (Under 5s)

We are a team of NHS Speech and Language Therapists and Speech and Language Therapy Co-workers supporting children under 5 years old who have speech, language and communication difficulties.

Families we support may have specific concerns, such as:

  • Difficulties with talking,  e.g. not yet using words or joining words to make sentences
  • Speech sound difficulties, e.g. sounds are unclear and it is difficult for you to understand what your child is saying despite them using lots of language.
  • Selective mutism, e.g. able to communicate easily with some people but may be silent or speak in whispers with others
  • Difficulties understanding language, e.g. unable to follow simple instructions.

You may also have other concerns about a child's communication skills. However, if you are concerned about their social interaction (i.e., how they interact with other people), visit the Early Social Communication Differences. 

I am concerned about a child's speech and language, What can I do? 

  • To help you think about how your child is getting on with their talking and understanding, you can look at the ages and stages information 
  • If you would like to ask a question or get some advice about your child's talking from a speech and language therapist, ask your nearest children and family centre which stay and play sessions a speech and language therapist will be attending next.
  • Access our Early Language Workshop for parents interested in learning more about communication skills.
  • Sign up to our monthly newsletter for advice and regular updates on what we currently offer.
  • Look at the leaflets and videos to learn more about supporting communication at home and put these strategies in place every day for a few months.
  • Download our Early Language Pathway Service Information Leaflet to find out more about our service.
  • Children and Family Centres and Family Hubs
  • See details on how to access further support below.

How can I access further support?

As of Tuesday, May 27th, 2025 we will no longer be providing standalone initial assessments for new referrals.  Families will be redirected to our new support interventions. 

The first intervention for all families focuses on developing parents' / carers' skills in supporting their children's communication. Interventions are for children who are in Reception / Reception age and younger (i.e., 0 - 5 years old).  

  • Access Little Talkers:  This is a 5-week face-to-face course for parents and their children (aged 18 months to 3 years) running in children and family centres.  It focuses on strategies that parents can use to support children’s communication development.  Please contact a health visitor, family support worker or your nearest children and family centre to decide whether this group could provide the right support for you and your child. You can find details of your nearest children and family  centre, including their activity timetables, online. 
    Professionals please complete highlighted sections of the MAST request for support form and email the form back to MAST@towerhamlets.gov.uk.
    Or 
  • Access Little Talkers (online):  This is a 5-week parent course where parents / carers learn strategies to support their children’s communication. This course is online only, with face-to-face screening and review sessions. Available in English and Sylheti. Parents can sign up using our Microsoft Form. We can arrange an interpreter for other languages if required – please indicate this in the relevant section on the sign-up form.

Many children will not need further support after parents have attended their first interventions.  However, there is additional support for those families who require it.  More information about this is provided in the Under 5s service information guide. 

Families who complete Little Talkers, including the review, and whose children require further support, can access Growing Talkers.

How can I refer a child to the Early Language Speech and Language Therapy team? 

  • Professionals:  If you know a family has completed Little Talkers but you feel they still need more support, please refer them to Growing Talkers (Speech and Language Therapy – Early Language Team) using this SPA form and this Early Language and SCD referral form. Both forms are required.
     

  • Please complete all sections, particularly which support the family has already accessed (section 4 of the Early Language and SCD referral form), and describe the areas where you feel they need further support. 

  • Parents and professionals:   If you are not sure if the Early Language pathway is suitable for a family or if you would like further information, please e-mail bartshealth.earlylanguage@nhs.net to arrange a time to speak to a member of our team.