How SLCN can impact the progress of children at nursery
Speech, language and communication are the building blocks for a child’s learning and development and have a huge impact on a child’s ability to develop in a nursery setting.
Why Early Speech and Language Support Matters
Research shows that early speech and language intervention can make a real difference for young children, especially when it begins in the early years before school. Early language skills form the foundation for communication, learning and later literacy, and targeted support has been shown to help children make measurable gains.
Improved Language and Communication Skills
Research shows that pre-school children who have delayed language skills can catch up with early intervention. Many interventions have been evidenced to help children make gains in understanding, vocabulary and speech sounds. This is essential to ‘close the gap’ before school starts.
Supports Early Reading and Learning
Stronger oral language skills in the early years are linked with improved reading comprehension and literacy outcomes. Children who understand and use language well are better equipped to learn in school. Children’s vocabulary at age 5 is the biggest predictor of GCSE results aged 16!
Supports Emotional and Social Development
Many children with SLCN are frustrated by their inability to communicate. By putting in supportive strategies quickly we can support their emotional development alongside their communication. This means children can develop their independence, confidence and social relationships. Making nursery a happier place for everyone.
Effective Beyond One-to-One Therapy
Many early language interventions can be delivered within nursery settings by trained staff in small groups benefiting all your children.
Benefit for Practitioners Too
When nursery staff receive training and practical support from speech and language therapists, studies report that they feel more confident supporting language development in everyday routines, helping embed language-rich practice across the whole setting.
What This Means for Nurseries
Children’s communication skills are not only crucial for talking — they underpin social interaction, behaviour, school readiness and academic success.
What This Means for Nurseries
Children’s communication skills are not only crucial for talking, they underpin social interaction, behaviour, school readiness and future academic success. Speech, Language and Communication Needs are the biggest category at primary school aged SEND registers. These children can be supported from Day 1 to close the gap.
How We Can Support Your Nursery
We offer flexible packages tailored to your setting’s needs, including:
- Individual Child Assessments with written reports and practical recommendations.
- Targeted Therapy Blocks delivered within your setting.
- Staff Training & Workshops
- Practical, evidence-based strategies your team can implement immediately.
- Support with Screening & Early Identification
- Clear communication between SLT, home and nursery.
- Flexible packages based on need and budget
What Makes Us Different?
- Experienced staff
- Extensive NHS background
- HCPC registered
- A non-profit, community-focused organisation
- Pay what you can afford scheme for parents
- Experienced trainers from national programmes
- Flexible and responsive to your setting’s needs
- Work collaboratively with parents and settings
- Understand demands and pressures within early years settings.
FAQs
No. If you want you can have us in for a day or just for a session. If you are able to commit to regular sessions it will be cheaper as it allows us to plan. We can also offer ‘taster days’ if you would like us to come into your setting to meet you before you commit to regular sessions.
Yes you can but you must have the parents consent. We can send you consent forms and information about our costs to have on hand to discuss with parents. Parents can also refer their own child by ringing 07862178850 or emailing queries@seasideslt.co.uk
We see children funded by settings and funded by parents. Parents who are self-funding can access our pay-what-you-can-afford scheme (The Lighthouse Scheme) which means they can pay as little as 10% of our fees. Settings can access reduced rates by buying in time and splitting it between several children.
Our waiting time for initial assessment is usually 3-4 weeks and we can usually start regular therapy sessions within 2-3 weeks of the assessment. This means children, families and settings can get advice and support quickly as soon as concerns have been identified.
Not at all. All children have a right to access NHS services regardless of what other support they are receiving. If a child is working with us and a NHS SLT we liaise regularly. We may split the child’s needs between us e.g. one work on speech sounds and one work on language development or we might arrange alternating appointments e.g. the child would be seen by us while they are having a break from nHS services. We can also reinforce NHS targets and support your staff to deliver any advice or plans given by the NHS.
Yes we offer formal and informal training. Look on our training page for more information about topics. If you buy us in fortnightly or more frequently a free training session is included in the package. If you have a specific training need just get in touch and we can deliver something bespoke for your setting.
We always produce a therapy plan for every child we are working with. This is shared with parents and setting staff. It will include the therapist’s contact details, the child’s current targets, activities and resources and a date the plan will be reviewed. We ensure staff are supported to deliver the plans by modelling activities, checking in with staff regularly and being available for any questions. We don’t leave staff unsure of next steps.
Yes all our staff have current enhanced DBS checks, up to date safeguarding training and have had all the appropriate checks re right to work in the UK etc. They have also completed statutory training re fire, health and safety etc and paediatric first aid. We can provide a letter confirming this for your records if you require it.
Let's work together
If you would like to explore how we can support you, we would be delighted to arrange an initial conversation.
Contact us to discuss your needs and available packages.
