Talk & Play – a family friendly intervention
Author: Penny Best
Magazine issue: Autumn 08
Page numbers: E1-E3
Date: 31 August 2008
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In Summer 2006, staff in the Sunderland speech and language therapy service were dissatisfied with their service for children with language delay / disorder. At the time, children aged 2-4 were offered ‘active support’ appointments for children and parents and review appointment for monitoring progress. A small working group consulted colleagues, did a literature search and drew up an action plan. Penny Best describes the new pathway of care. This includes the parent and child attending a rolling programme of ‘Talk & Play’ sessions with other families in a local Children’s Centre, where the therapist rotates around each family. Additional parent-only groups have benefits but limited take-up. An audit of Talk & Play shows it has been accepted by parents and staff as a positive pathway.
