New scheme brings earlier speech and language help for children

Children who struggle with talking and understanding words will get earlier and better support, thanks to a pioneering new scheme in South Tyneside and Sunderland.

Speech and language skills are vital to children's development, and now school staff will have the skills to spot problems and offer help much earlier.

The scheme sees more than 400 education staff receiving specialist Talk Boost training from the charity Speech and Language UK – meaning more children can get the help they need at school without waiting to be referred to another service.

Dr Tracey Lucas, local GP and a clinical lead at North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "Speech and language therapy is key to improving communication skills and development. Without it, some children will struggle to learn, understand and be understood.

"Getting that support early is vital for literacy, confidence and all-round learning. By giving school staff these skills, we can help families at an earlier stage and give children a better chance in life."

Already more than 150 staff who work with three and four year-olds have trained with Speech and Language UK, with teachers, teaching assistants and special needs staff in schools now set to follow.

It's the latest in a range of speech and language initiatives known as 'Sunderland Communicates Together' and 'South Tyneside Speaks Together'. The scheme is supported by the NHS, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils, and Together for Children.

Penshaw mum Stacey Gunn knows first-hand the value of speech and language support after nursery staff at Barnwell Academy supported her son Fred, now five, using the Talk Boost approach.

She said: "It's really helped us as a family. Fred was struggling with some sounds but he got the support he needed early on, as part of his normal day – and everyone got involved so he didn’t feel different.

"Children often find it hard learning to speak, but he just needed a little more. His confidence has really come on as a result – and our three year-old, Michael, now speaks really well because he picked up on all the things Fred was learning!"

Carol Payne, deputy chief executive of Speech and Language UK, said: “Together with education and health leaders in the North East, we’re showing what’s possible. The result is stronger futures for children and young people across the region.”

Simon Marshall, chief executive of Together for Children, said: “It’s inspiring to witness the progress made by children and young people who are now meeting speech and language milestones and growing in confidence after just a few weeks of support. Across the country, many children struggle to achieve these key milestones, so we want to tackle speech and language challenges at an early stage."

Councillor Liz McHugh, lead member for children and families, social care, education and skills at South Tyneside Council, said: “We’re committed to giving every child in South Tyneside the best possible start in life. By investing in these innovative programmes, we’re not only supporting children’s learning and wellbeing today, but also laying the foundations for brighter futures.

“This shows what can be achieved when schools, health services and communities work together to ensure every child is heard, understood, and able to thrive.”

Councillor Michael Butler, cabinet member for children's services, child poverty and skills at Sunderland City Council, said: “We are wholeheartedly committed to supporting every child across Sunderland to develop the speech, language, and communication skills they need to succeed in life. We are also committed to leaving no one behind, and through our investment in evidence-based programmes, we are already seeing tangible improvements in our schools and communities and ensuring young people have as many life opportunities open to them as possible."

The programme is funded by NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council, Together for Children and South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust.