New website to help improve young children’s speech, language and communication skills

Tiny Talkers gives parents and carers of children under five years the information they need to help their child’s development through top tips, fun activities and details of Rotherham support services.

Professionals can use the website to identify their professional development needs, find local training opportunities, and access tailored guidance for their role.

The website, which was developed by the four South Yorkshire Local Authorities and supported by Sheffield Hallam University, follows the Regional Speech, Language and Communications Skills Strategy which was published last year.

The strategy is the culmination of a £1million Department for Education funded project to improve the SLC skills of early years children across the region.

To create the strategy, the team gathered data from over 800 professionals in South Yorkshire to understand their confidence with the key skills and knowledge needed to support SLC development in the early years.

Rotherham Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Victoria Cusworth said: “Good speech, language and communication skills are vital for a child’s wellbeing. These skills shape a child’s ability to learn, develop friendships and their future life choices.

“It’s so important that children falling behind key milestones receive help and support early and this new website is full of really useful advice and guidance to help ensure more children get the best start in life.”

Almost 30% of children in South Yorkshire do not currently achieve the expected levels of development in communication, language and literacy.

The Tiny Talkers website gives parents a useful summary of what to expect with their child’s SLC at different ages, with signposting to local support for anyone worried about a child.

Search the Tiny Talkers website for simple tips and activities, or to find out what’s available where you live - www.tinytalkers.co.uk