Speech and language therapy for children: help with speech sounds
Concerned about your child’s pronunciation? A speech and language therapist (SLT) can assess their speech and advise your family. This guide explains where to seek help in the UK and how home activities can fit alongside professional advice.
Understanding speech sound difficulties
Children learn speech sounds gradually. They may leave sounds out, replace one sound with another or have difficulty producing a sound clearly. Speech sound difficulties are different from difficulties understanding or using language, although they can occur together. A speech and language therapist can assess what support your child needs. Regional accents and dialects are not speech errors.
More information: RCSLT: speech sound disorders.
When should I ask for help?
If you are worried about your child’s speech or language development, speak to your GP or health visitor. You can also contact your local children’s speech and language therapy service for advice. You do not need to wait for an online activity or practice pack to decide whether to seek help.
How can my child access speech and language therapy?
Ask your GP or health visitor about your local NHS children’s speech and language therapy service. Some services accept referrals directly from parents; check the local service’s arrangements. Referral routes vary across the UK. Your child’s nursery or school may also help you contact the service. If considering private therapy, ask the provider about assessment, fees and availability.
Supporting speech sound practice at home
Keep conversations and play relaxed. When your child says a word differently, respond with the correct word naturally rather than asking them to repeat it. If a speech and language therapist has given you activities, follow their advice on which sounds and words to practise. A general activity pack cannot determine the right therapy targets for your child.
Practical advice from an NHS children’s service: Bedfordshire and Luton: speech sounds.
Brave Fox activities while you wait
Brave Fox provides digital games, exercises and stories to explore together at home, while waiting for speech and language therapy or alongside ongoing support. The practice plan takes account of your child’s age, gender, interests and chosen speech sound. It does not provide appointments, assess your child’s speech or replace advice from a speech and language therapist.
NHS advice on seeking help: NHS: help your child learn to talk.