Resources
Afasic
Afasic is a UK charity that supports families of children and young people with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), including Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
How you can use it:
- Share information with parents whose children have SLCN.
- Use Afasic resources to understand DLD and support inclusion.
Before Their First Words
Explains how babies communicate before they speak, using sounds, eye contact and gestures.
How you can use it:
- Help parents understand early milestones.
- Use tips to support babies in your setting.
Hungry Little Minds Staffordshire
A free service for families with children aged 0–2. It offers simple ideas and activities to boost brain and communication development.
How you can use it:
- Share activities with parents during drop-off or home learning packs.
- Use ideas in your setting to encourage early communication.
Sign up for Hungry Little Minds
Speech and Language UK
A charity that helps children who find talking and understanding words difficult. Includes tools, advice and a progress checker.
How you can use it:
- Use the progress checker to monitor development.
- Share tips with families and colleagues.
Makaton
A communication system using signs, symbols and speech together.
How you can use it:
- Support children with communication difficulties in your setting.
- Train staff to use Makaton for inclusion.
National Literacy Trust – Words for Life
Offers songs, stories and games to help children learn to talk, read and play.
How you can use it:
- Use activities in your setting to promote language and literacy.
- Share resources with parents for home learning.
Other Useful Resources
- Tiny Happy People – Videos and tips for talking and playing with babies and toddlers.
- NHS Change4Life – Healthy eating and active play ideas.
- Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership – Safety advice for home and settings.
- Unicef – Building a Happy Baby – Guidance on bonding and communication.
