Our aim is simple – to help each child reach their communication potential and feel confident using their voice in everyday life.

We work with children and young people who need support with:

• Speech sounds
• Understanding language
• Using words and sentences
• Social communication
• Stammering
• Feeding, eating and swallowing

We also work closely with families, carers and the professionals who support your child every day.

How we work

Referrals

If a child needs to see a Speech and Language Therapist, they can be referred by health and education professionals, such as your health visitor, GP, nursery, school or social worker.

Referrals must come through a professional and require parental/ carer consent.

Assessments

If we think your child would benefit from our support, we will arrange an assessment.
This may include spending time with your child, observing them, and talking to you about what you have noticed.

This helps us understand your child’s strengths and where support is needed.

Support and intervention

Depending on your child’s needs, we may offer:

• Practical advice and strategies
• Direct therapy sessions
• Programmes to be used at home or school
• Coaching for parents/ carers and school staff
• Joint working with other professionals

We work together to help your child communicate as confidently and effectively as possible.

Bilingual assessments

If your child uses more than one language, we will assess them in all the languages they hear or use. Research shows that:

• Bilingual children should not be compared to monolingual children
• Speech and language therapy should support both/all languages
• Professional interpreters and bilingual support workers are essential

This is part of national guidance from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and HCPC professional standards.

Early Years Communication and Language Development Service (EYCLDS)

Supporting your child’s speech, language and communication

We work with families to help young children develop the communication skills they need to learn, play and build relationships. Our team offers early support for children aged 0–5, and we work closely with local Family Hubs to make it easy for you to get help.

How we can help

We offer:

• Advice on helping your child learn to talk
• Support if you’re worried about your child’s communication or development
• Early assessments to identify needs
• Group sessions and one‑to‑one support
• Tips, activities and resources you can use at home

You don’t need to wait for a referral if you’re concerned, many families speak to us for reassurance, ideas and early guidance.

If your child needs more support

If a referral is needed, please speak to your health visitor.

Contact us

If you have any questions, you can email eyclds@boltonft.nhs.uk or call 01204 338349.

Whilst you wait – Speech and language therapy toolkit

If you need ideas while you are waiting for therapy or extra ways to help your child at home, please explore our online Speech and Language Therapy Toolkit.

If you need personalised advice, please contact the team on 01204 462670 or email paedcommtherapyreferrals@boltonft.nhs.uk.