Many parents and carers have concerns about how their child is developing, particularly when it comes to talking, understanding, or interacting with others. This section of the SEND Local Offer is here to provide clear, supportive information to help you understand more about speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), and where to find help if you need it.
Speech, language and communication are key skills that support learning, relationships and everyday life. They include:
Early identification and the right support can make a significant difference to a child’s development and confidence.
A child with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) may have difficulties in one or more of the following areas:
Every child with SLCN is unique. Their needs can vary widely and may change over time. A child might experience challenges in one, several, or all of these areas at different stages of their development.
Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are often noticed in the early years of a child’s life. However, it’s not always easy to tell if your child is developing as expected as every child grows and learns at their own pace.
SLCN may be identified during regular health or development checks by:
If you’re worried about your child’s speech, language or communication, it’s important to talk to someone. Depending on your child’s age and situation, you can speak to:
These professionals will listen to your concerns, offer advice, and guide you to services that can support your child’s development.
You can support your child’s speech, language, and communication development at home. One of the most powerful tools is learning through play, which makes language development fun and engaging.
Here are some ideas you can try:
Find out more by visiting the B-Hive website, which offers a wealth of information and practical resources for families.
If your child has difficulties with speech, language, or communication, there are a range of local services in Bromley designed to support you and your family. These services are part of a collaborative approach involving health, education, and care professionals.
B-Hive is a central online hub created by Bromley Council and local health services. It brings together a wide range of therapy services and resources for children and young people aged 0 to 25. It includes:
The children’s speech and language therapy service from Bromley Healthcare offers assessments, advice and therapy for early years and school aged children and young people, and in some cases from 18 to 25 years with an education, health and care plan (often referred to as an EHCP). The service works with children, families, carers and staff in pre-schools and schools, to help develop children’s understanding, talking and communication skills.
The service aims to provide assessment and support to children and young people who may have speech, language and communication difficulties or problems with their eating and drinking (swallowing) skills.
This service is open to children and young people registered to a Bromley GP or attending a Bromley school.
The Children’s Speech and Language Therapy service can be reached on 0300 330 5777 or email bromh.cypreferrals@nhs.net.
Visit Bromley Healthcare’s Speech and Language Therapy web page.
Before they start school, children can be referred to the speech and language therapy team by a Health Visitor (HV), GP, nursery or preschool setting, or any other professional. Parents also have the option to self-refer.
Once a referral is received, it is triaged. In most cases, parents are directed to book an advice session at a local Children and Family Centre (C&FC). These short sessions provide an opportunity for parents or carers to discuss their concerns, receive guidance, and agree on next steps. This may include reassurance, further advice, a follow-up visit, or a referral for targeted or specialist preschool group interventions.
Children with safeguarding concerns, complex medical needs, or families who need an interpreter, may be seen directly in a clinic for assessment.
If you have concerns about a stammer or eating and drinking skills for a school-aged child, you can self-refer directly into the Bromley Healthcare Service by phoning 0300 330 5777 or emailing bromh.cypreferrals@nhs.net. Please tell us your child’s full name and date of birth when you get in touch.
In Bromley, speech and language therapy (SALT) follows a universal, targeted and specialist (UTS) model of support. This means:
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language and communication skills, you should speak with their class teacher or the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) first of all. A range of support is ordinarily available in Bromley schools for children with speech, language and communication needs. This includes classroom strategies and small group support delivered by trained staff in school. Schools are able to put this support in place as soon as concerns arise and monitor your child’s progress to determine whether a referral to the speech and language therapy service is needed. Lots of children make progress through school-led speech and language support.
If further advice is needed, the SENCO is able to make a referral to the speech and language therapy team. When they do this, they will outline any concerns you and/or the school have, what support has already been put in place and how your child is progressing.
All Bromley mainstream schools have a link speech and language therapist who will work with your child’s SENCO to help form a support plan. This could include discussion, observation, inclusion in therapist or school-led groups or specialist assessment. For school-aged children, speech and language therapy is delivered in school, in collaboration with teaching and support staff.
The Association of Speech and Language Therapists website, provides a search facility where you can find qualified and registered speech and language therapists that you can buy services from directly. This can include both assessments and ongoing support. It is also possible to search by speciality, age and distance from your home.
All association members are registered members of both the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and the Health and Care Professions Council and are committed to good business standards.
For children with more complex or persistent difficulties, specialist services are available. These may include:
Referrals can be made by GPs, health visitors, teachers, or directly by parents.
The service provides support for children and young people with eating and drinking swallowing difficulties (dysphagia).
Referrals to this service are through your doctor (GP), health visitor, paediatrician or teacher, and other health care professionals who might be seeing your child. The service also accepts self-referrals from parents.
