Speech and Language UK

13/08/2026

Children communicate in lots of different ways. They might:

⭐ use actions, like pointing or showing you things

⭐ use their eyes and/or facial expressions

⭐ make sounds or noises

⭐ use pictures or signing

⭐use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices

⭐ talk in words or sentences.

All forms of communication are valid. And there are lots of ways you can adapt your teaching to support, whichever method a child might choose.

➡️ Follow their lead by getting down to their level and showing interest in their activities.

➡️ Comment on what they’re doing, then wait and see if they respond. You could then copy their response, or add another word or two to build on what you said originally.

➡️ Give them a choice – for example, “Would you like milk or apple juice?” instead of “Would you like milk?” These questions are easier for children to answer, especially when actions are paired with words.

These are just a few ways you can make your settings more inclusive – but there’s more!

Check out the Inclusion learning bundles today on our Learning Centre to level up your teaching. 📈

You’ll find practical tools and strategies to support all children's speech and language development at a universal level, as well as adapt support for those at targeted and targeted-plus levels. >> https://bit.ly/4g5HRyh

13/08/2026

Thank you so much for the kind words and support throughout the pilot Louise! It's been lovely working with you. And congratulations for completing the training!💪

With your help, more childcare professionals will be better equipped to support speech and language development🌟

There are some opportunities in this job that feel like a privilege… and this is definitely one of them! ❤️

I feel lucky to have been given the opportunity to take part in a pilot for a brand-new speech and language course created exclusively for childminders — Early Talk for Childminders. 🗣️📚

Developed by childminders, for childminders, alongside Speech and Language UK , it has been wonderful to be part of something that recognises the unique role we play in supporting children’s communication and language development every single day.

'Early Talk for Childminders is a training and development programme from Speech & Language UK.
It supports childminders to create communication supportive environments to support all children's speech, language and communication skills, including those with speech and language challenges.
It has been developed through consultation with childminders from across England and Wales so that it reflects the childminders context and unique role'

Not only has taking part been fantastic for my own professional development and learning, but I also had the honour of providing feedback directly to Speech & Language UK to help shape and refine the course before it goes live.
How exciting to know that some of our experiences and feedback will help support other childminders too! 🥰

And now… it’s nearly time! 🎉
Early Talk for Childminders will be going live and available to purchase from September.

I’m excited to see this fantastic resource become available to the childminding community and would absolutely encourage fellow childminders to keep an eye out for it.

A huge thank you to everyone involved for giving me the opportunity to be part of this pilot. ❤️

Proud to be a childminder, proud to keep learning, and very proud to have played a tiny part in helping this brilliant course get ready to fly! 🗣️✨

11/08/2026

Have you ever heard of Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS)?
It's a rare speech sound disorder affecting one in every 1,000 children.

We want to make sure children with are a priority for the new Government. We’re working with members of the Speech, Language and Communication Alliance, who work with children with a wide range of speech and language challenges, including CAS, to ensure this.

Learn more about CAS by heading to our website! >> https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/resource-library-for-families/childhood-apraxia-of-speech/

11/08/2026

Are you up for a muddy good time?
Dare to make a difference at a Tough Mudder event near you!

Whether you're taking it on on your own or with your best mates, there's nothing more memorable than getting muddy to raise vital funds for the 1 in 5 children facing challenges with talking and understanding words💪

Sign up now >> https://bit.ly/3TTWImA

10/08/2026

Calling speech and language therapists📢
Genna from the University of Sheffield wants to hear from you!

Take part in her research study so we can learn more about what you're doing to support the mental health of children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder ( ). 👇

The Clinical Practices and Professional Perceptions of UK Speech and Language Therapists Supporting the Mental Health Needs of Children and Young People with Developmental Language Disorder: A Mixed-Methods Cross Sectional Study

10/08/2026

The summer holidays are in full swing! 🌞

We know more quality time together as a family is great – but we also know it can be challenging if you're worried about your child's speech or language skills. You're not alone, and you don't have to navigate it on your own.

We have lots of free resources, including our Progress Checker, that give you practical strategies and tips to try at home.

Explore now >> https://bit.ly/4qrTcfD

10/08/2026

Have you heard?👀

Lucy Powell is our new education secretary, which means she has a major role to play in helping the 2 million children with speech and language challenges. We also want her to focus on the 1.3 million children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), who were overlooked in the planned changes to SEND education.

Share this video so others can get to know our new education secretary Lucy Powell MP.➡️

07/08/2026

Speech and language challenges can affect any child. But children who grow up in areas of social deprivation are twice as likely to struggle with talking and understanding words – areas like Halton in Cheshire, which is the 16th most deprived local authority in the country.

Since 2023, we have worked with the local authority and others there to unlock opportunity for children in the area. Read our new blog post to learn more about the incredible impact of our projects in Halton! 💫
https://bit.ly/4wJvP38