Language development is assessed through use of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire 3 and Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Social Emotional (evidence based ASQ tools) at the 1 and 2 year developmental reviews and appropriate support and guidance is offered to parents / carers according to the findings of each assessment.

In addition to using ASQ, each contact is an opportunity to consider the child’s home learning environment by identifying factors which may affect speech, language and communication for example parental capacity and capability to promote language as well as opportunities available to the family to enhance the child’s language development including importance of play, availability of age appropriate learning toys and social and community networks that the family engage with.

As part of Universal Progressive offer of our service, some families may be identified to be in need of additional or enhanced level of service with a targeted package of care according to identified need.

When required, referrals are made to Speech and Language Therapy team and/ or Audiology as well as Community Paediatrics.

As part of Multi-agency offer, we work with Early Years partners and participate in 2 year Integrated Reviews for children who are identified as in need of additional support. In addition, the service works in Partnership with various agencies including GPs, Midwifery Service, MAST or Social Care where it is identified that families need extra support to meet the needs of their children.

Parent Carers Forum  – We are an independent group of parents and carers of children and young people (0-25) with special educational needs and disabilities. Our main aim is to ensure the needs of our children are met. We bring together parent carers from across Sheffield to provide mutual support, exchange information, and influence policy and practice. We have over 2,200 members. https://sheffieldparentcarerforum.org.uk/