Early years setting
Does your child go to an Early Years setting or childminder? If so, they will check your child's communication development. This is part of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The setting will talk to you about your child's development. They will also put in place activities to support their development.
What happens if my child is not reaching typical development?
The early years practitioner will observe them. They will make notes of the areas in which your child is having difficulty.
They will speak to you about the needs of your child. They may ask about:
- your child's medical history. For example, prematurity, ear, nose and throat difficulties, such as Glue ear.
- if your child has had a hearing test and
- if there is any family history of speech, language and communication needs.
The Practitioner will discuss any concerns with the Early Years Setting SENCo. They will then make a targeted plan to support your child and share their targets with you.
Activities will be planned to support the area of difficulty. They will follow a process to see how your child is progressing and if they need any other support. This is called a Staged Pathway. The Plan will be reviewed after a period of time. It will look at how your child is progressing and if they need any other support.
Who can tell me more about the support being put in place for my child?
Speak to the Early Years Setting Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). It can be a good idea to replicate this support at home.
More information
Website: Stoke Speaks Out Staged Pathway Toolkit
Website: Staffordshire Connects - Role of the SENCO
Website: The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework