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Why is it needed in Nottingham?

In 2019, 32% of 4-year olds in Nottingham started school without the communication; language and literacy skills they need to learn and progress.

Differences in language skills are noticed by age 2 and have an impact by the time children start school.

SSBC has commissioned Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust to deliver Home Talk across the SSBC wards.

Home Talk is a nationally recognised evidence-based service. It is delivered by Home Talk Workers with enhanced training to support early language development. Guided and supervised by specialist early years Speech and Language Therapists.

SSBC aims to develop and deliver Home Talk services in SSBC wards for 2-2.5 year olds with language skill delays.

Woman and child playing fishing page

Who is it for?

Home Talk is aimed at children with specific needs.

Children aged 2 years old, who:

  • Say up to 30 single words
  • Understand everyday words and short sentences
  • Have age-appropriate interaction and social skills

Children approaching 2 ½ years old, who:

  • Say up to 50 single words
  • Do not often link two words together

Sustainability

A Speech, Language & Communication (SLC) Partnership Board will promote Home Talk and evaluate the service.

The evaluation will support further commissioning of the service beyond SSBC.

How will we know if it has been successful?

As a result of commissioning the Home Talk service, we expect to see improved communication, speech & language skills in 2 and 2.5 year olds in SSBC wards.

Improvements will be gauged through the Early Years Foundation Stage measures.

Man reading with two children

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