Language and speech sounds groups pathway

What is the Language and Speech-sounds Groups Pathway?

Sheffield Children’s Hospital Speech and Language Therapy service provides blocks of sessions to small groups of children and their parents/carers. These groups demonstrate strategies and activities, which parents and carers can carry on using at home to support their child’s language and/or speech development.

A ‘block’ consists of a 1 introductory appointment, 5 weekly group sessions (45-60 minutes long) and 1 review appointment. There are usually around 5 children (and their adults) in each group.

What are the different groups?

If your child has been referred to the Groups Pathway, they will have been referred to the group that is at the right level to support their current language/ speech skills.

Where and when do the groups run?

• All the groups run at: Ryegate House (1^st floor), Ryegate Children’s Centre, Tapton Crescent Road, Sheffield, S10 5DD
• We run groups on different days and at various times. However, you may be waiting longer if you can only do certain days or times.

What happens next?

1. You will be sent a letter asking you to contact us to book your child’s introductory session – if you do not contact us we will assume you no longer wish to attend.
2. Following the introductory session your child will be placed on the waiting list for the appropriate group on your required day.
3. When they reach the top of the list you will receive a letter with the dates for your block of group sessions.
4. Following the 5 sessions you will have another appointment with a Speech and Language Therapist to review your child’s speech and language skills and agree next steps.

Talk in your home language

Use your home language during activities and when using a strategy. It is really important that your child learns their home language. Being able to understand and use their home language will make it easier for your child to learn English.