Speech and language therapy
Last updated: 15 May 2026
Next review: 17 March 2027
Children need to develop speech, language, and communication so they can:
- make their needs known
- interact with family and friends
- learn and understand emotions and feelings
Most children develop language easily just through interacting with family and friends. However, around 7% of five year olds starting school in England have difficulties with speech and language.
Parents and carers are usually the first to notice difficulties with speech, language, and communication development. You should consider getting help if your child is:
- becoming frustrated or showing challenging behaviour
- having difficulty learning
- having difficulty socialising with others
If you are worried about your child's speech language or communication and they are under 5 years old, you can visit one of our drop in sessions at a local Family Hub to talk to a Speech and Language Therapist.
Find out more about
- events at the Family Hubs with Best Start in Life
- language development on the GOSH website
- factsheets on the Speech and Language UK website
- Your child’s fluency or stammering
Speech Language and Communication Service
Speech and Language Therapists help children with issues such as:
- swallowing, eating, and drinking
- language delay or disorder
- speech delay or disorder
- complex needs or Autism
- stammering
To get referred:
- speak to your health visitor or GP
- complete the referral form
- contact the NELFT Speech and Language Therapy Service by telephone: 020 8430 7970 or email wfspeechtherapy@nhs.net