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Speech, Language and Communication (SLC)

Explore resources and insights on Speech, Language, and Communication (SLC) to support effective communication development and address related challenges

Children’s SLC skills develop in a typical pattern. These are represented as a pyramid: 

SCL pyramid, speech and sounds, usinglanguage, understanding language, play and interaction, attention and listening 

  • Speech 
  • Language  
  • Communication 

This is known as the SLC pyramid.  

The skills at the top of the SLC pyramid develop when the skills on the bottom are firmly established. For example, a child’s listening and attention skills need to develop for them to increase their understanding of spoken language. The skills at the bottom of the pyramid need to develop appropriately. If this does not happen it is likely that the skills at the top will not develop appropriately either. 

The following tools will support the monitoring and screening of children’s speech, language and communication: 

The Early Communication and Language Monitoring tool (ECLMT) 

Plymouth, Devon and Torbay authorities worked together to create the ECLMT. 

It outlines key milestones in speech, language and communication development. This helps identify children’s needs in the Early Years Foundation Stage. The purpose of the ECLMT is to help assess a child’s level of development. This means we can make informed decisions about what the child needs to learn and be able to do next 

The tool can help practitioners to identify:  

  • if a child is at risk of falling behind in their development 
  • the need for referral for specialist support as soon as possible 

The ECLMT can be used as an ongoing record of a child’s communication and language development. 

2 – 3 years Language Screening Toolkit 

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) created this toolkit. It helps support the early identification of language delay.  As children develop, they are more able to follow more complex instructions.This assessment comprises 2 sections:  

  1. Looks at ‘information carrying words’  
  2. Useful resources to help you to target any delayed areas 

Early Talkers Boxset Activities 

Speech and Language UK produced the Early Talkers Boxset. It includes beautifully illustrated activity card sets for: 

  • Babbling Babies 
  • Toddler Talk  
  • Chatting with Children 

These can help with supporting children's communication from ages 6 months to 5 years.

Children's speech sounds 

Sometimes children don't quite get their words to sound the way that they should. Children’s speech sounds and how they say words may be concerning for parents. For example, a child may say ‘tar’ instead of ‘car’. Parents may wonder whether it is something to be worried about.   

There are many ‘errors’ which a child may make as part of their typical development. Child Family Health Devon have provided a screener. It is to support settings and parents. It aims to identify areas that may need further support. 

Early Talk Boost

We have provided training and resources for Early Talk Boost. We have targeted intervention programmes available through Speech and Language UK. This Programme is evidence based. It is to help children who need an extra boost in their language development. It supports:

  • speech 
  • language 
  • communication 

Parents can also access the online progress checker here if they have concerns. 

Further support: 

Find further advice about supporting speech, language and communication. 

Speech and language Therapy: referrals and drop ins 

Children and Family Health Devon have a website which includes details of: 

Contact Family Information Service