Focused Support - Getting Help
Focused support means your child gets the extra help they need, tailored to their specific needs. It's a step-by-step process, where support changes as your child grows and develops, making sure they get the right help at the right time.
Public Health Nursing can provide support and signposting
- Developmental Reviews: Scheduled assessments at 6–10 weeks, 8–12 months, and 2–2½ years to monitor the child’s growth and development, typically conducted at home or community settings.
- School-Age Health Checks: At ages 4–5 and 10–11, children undergo height, weight, and vision screenings in school, with results communicated to parents.
- Additional Support: Families can also access advice on behaviour, sleep, and toilet training through telephone consultations.
Hearing Checks
If your child has a condition that increases their risk of hearing loss they will be invited for an annual hearing check by the ICAN Audiology Service. If you are worried about your child’s hearing speak to your GP or Health Visitor.
Childcare and Education Settings
Childcare and education practitioners play a big role in helping children learn to talk and understand. Staff support children by chatting with them throughout the day, listening carefully, encouraging play and conversation, reading together, and using fun activities to help build their speech, language, and communication skills in a natural, supportive way.
There are a range of helpful programs that childcare and school staff use to support children with their speech, language, and communication. These include simple checks to spot any difficulties early, and fun group or one-to-one sessions using stories, games, and play to help children build their confidence and skills. Staff are trained to use these approaches in everyday routines, so support feels natural and part of your child’s day.
If you’re a parent and want to talk to someone in your child’s setting about speech, language, or communication support, here’s what you can do:
Start by having a chat with your child’s key worker, teacher, or SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator). Let them know your concerns or questions—they’re there to help and can explain what support is already in place or what might be helpful. You can ask if any checks have been done, what they’ve noticed about your child’s communication, and whether any programs or extra help might be available.
Don’t worry about saying the “right” thing—just share what you’ve noticed. Your input as a parent is really valuable.
