Since September 2024, Lincolnshire Community Health Services have been offering new speech and language drop-in sessions within Lincolnshire County Council’s 10 family hubs. These are complemented by invite-only sessions for children with higher needs. The initiative aims to provide early advice and support closer to home, eliminating the need for referrals or waiting lists.
Feedback from families indicates that the sessions have led to increased expressive communication and confidence in children, improved use of words, reduced frustration, and better engagement during play and routines. The project's success has prompted the Local Government Association (LGA) to encourage other areas to implement similar strategies.
Cllr Natalie Oliver, executive member for children’s services at Lincolnshire County Council, highlighted the critical role of early language skills for communication, emotional development, and school readiness. She noted the high demand for speech and language support in Lincolnshire, particularly for pre-school children, which had strained traditional clinic-based services. She stated, "This fantastic project has made it much easier for families to get the support they need and also given them the confidence to support their child’s language skills at home."
Cllr Oliver further explained that the drop-in sessions allow families to receive support without lengthy waiting lists, potentially preventing the escalation of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and improving outcomes. The council is now planning to extend these sessions to four new family hubs, as well as some early years settings and schools.
Nerea Odongo, group chief nurse for Lincolnshire Community and Hospitals Group, emphasised the importance of speech, language, and communication skills for a child's development and wellbeing. She added, "These sessions have enabled families to access support at the right time, in places they already know and trust, without the need to join a waiting list. Working closely with our Family Hub colleagues has helped us reach more children earlier."
Ms Odongo also noted the positive feedback from families, who feel empowered with the skills and confidence to support their child's development at home. The speech and language project is part of Lincolnshire’s Best Start in Life Strategy and Local Plan 2026-31, aimed at enhancing early development levels for children entering reception year.
