SLCN Looks like - Spotting the signs

SLCN: Spotting the signs

Identifying children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is not always easy - it is often referred to as ‘the hidden disability’​.

There are however a range of tools to enable children’s needs to be identified, many of which are freely available.

Information on typical speech and language development can be used to identify those children whose skills are not developing as we’d expect. These include:

• Talking Point – a website full of information on typical language development with a useful Progress Checker.
• Universally Speaking – a series of booklets showing where children should be with their communication skills at ages Birth -5 years, 5-11 years and 11-18 years.
• The Speech, Language and Communication Progression Tools are resources covering Early Years, Primary and Secondary age groups to support teaching staff to identify children who may be struggling.
• For quick and easy reference to developmental milestones these Primary and Secondary posters are a useful resource.
• Schools can use this simple guide to support identification.

• Talking Point – a website full of information on typical language development with a useful Progress Checker.
• Universally Speaking – a series of booklets showing where children should be with their communication skills at ages Birth -5 years, 5-11 years and 11-18 years.
• The Speech, Language and Communication Progression Tools are resources covering Early Years, Primary and Secondary age groups to support teaching staff to identify children who may be struggling.. 
• For quick and easy reference to developmental milestones these Primary and Secondary posters are a useful resource.
• Schools can use this simple guide to support identification.