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Scott Hamilton Post 1

• 3 June 2020, 3:19 PM

Webinar Discussion

There are lots of varied signs that a child may been struggling or at a slower stage in their speech and language development and it is important to known that is okay because support is there. 

However, there are many risks that can effect the child's development coming from different environments within the child's life. These are important to factor in to be able to identify where you can help and suit support most effectively to that child. 

This is why it is important to make that early intervention but it is important to not rush into this as the child may not need the support and just be going a slower pace and that is okay and should not be rushed. 

Which is why I feel collaborative working is vital in this process with speech and language therapists. This can help to be more responsive and make this early intervention with more insight and help identify signs that maybe one person could not identify on their own. 

Refection is an important part of this process and should be valued by practitioners and not hated as this will help in ensuring the setting is suited for each child's needs and help make your self and other more engaging and responsive. 

I do feel that speech and language should be done as training for all practitioners to help give practitioners more practice and to allow practitioners to be able to identify signs earlier and know how to support that child's needs more effectively. 

Jackie Musgrave Post 2 in reply to 1

• 5 June 2020, 2:24 PM

some excellent points here Scott - thank you for sharing

Jane Chrumka Post 3 in reply to 1

• 8 June 2020, 5:56 PM

All good points made here Scott.

Without having professional experience in this area, I found this webinar and subsequent chat informative.  It strikes me that communication is the most important ingredient when strengthening relationships.  I think by supporting young children with their communication in all their modes to aid their agency and participation, plus collaborating with parents and families to help them support their children as well, is vital.  My take away bits relate to...

1. The value of listening

2. The value of strong family relationships between children, their carers, and professionals in their community, keeping the needs of the children central

3. The need for responsive adults and environments so children feel heard and understood

4. The importance of children having solid foundations in listening and attention before expecting speech outcomes.

5. The need to facilitate play for learning, to build up participation, trust, and confidence where children will want to communicate.

Lots for me to reflect on for going forward.

Jackie Musgrave Post 4 in reply to 3

• 21 June 2020, 9:42 AM

thank you for your thoughtful comments Jane