- Home
- The Talking Bradford Speech and Language pathway
The Talking Bradford Speech and Language pathway
Welcome to Talking Bradford
We want every child under the age of 5 who lives in the Bradford district to have the chance to be the best communicator or talker that they can be - giving them the best start in life.
More language options for this video will be available on our YouTube Talking Bradford playlist (including BSL and Bradford community languages).
As many as 1 in 10 children may have speech, communication and language needs, but as parents and carers there is so much you are already doing, or can do to support your child.
We want the “Pathway” to be your map, your guide to what the Bradford district has to offer to support your child.
We spoke with lots of parents and they had so many questions about their child’s talking. We want to help you answer these questions by sharing videos, tips and ideas of what you can try yourself, and where you could go to find out more.
Why is it so important to speak to my bump?
Have a look at our "bonding with your baby in pregnancy" page for more information
Why is talking to my child so important?
Have a look at our "Why is talking to my child so important?" page for more information
Developing communication skills from the beginning
Remember - you are your child’s first teacher, and you are the one that starts building your child’s communication from the very beginning!
The Tiny Happy People website shows you what you can do to help your baby from the beginning.
Big Little Moments is a campaign from Better Start Bradford - it shows you how the things you do as a parent really start to build your child's communication.
What is the help available to all?
Universal services are available for every baby and child living in the Bradford district. They could include using the libraries, going to the parks and going to toddler groups. The early years of your baby’s life can be a busy time, for you and their brain!
Click on the button to find out more about the many services available to you and your child.
How do I help my child if I speak another language?
Talk to your child in your home language, the one you know best. These videos from Tiny Happy People show you how and explain why speaking different languages at home is a good thing.
Bradford Libraries has many dual language picture books which can be borrowed for those special story times in your home language.
What to expect and when
Remember every child develops at different rates and your child is unique. These guidelines show you what to expect at the different stages of your child’s development.
If you are worried, the next step on the map will guide you on how to get extra help from targeted services.
Extra help
Extra help, also known as targeted services, are there to support you if you have some worries about your child’s speech, language or communication.
Keep using help for all
While you’re waiting for extra support from targeted services, it’s important to keep following the advice given in earlier stages of the map.
I’m still worried and think my child needs specialist help
Sometimes you and your child might need support from specialist Speech & Language Therapy services. Below, you can find information on how to get a referral.
If you live in Bradford
The Bradford Speech and Language Therapy Service (SaLT) works with children in Bradford from ages 18 months to 18 years who have speech, language, and communication needs. They offer a range of services including assessment, advice, therapy, and training. They offer an advice line phone where you can book a time to talk to a Specialist about your worries.
If you live in Airedale
The Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Speech and Language Therapy (Airedale SaLT) service can offer help for families in Keighley, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Their paediatric team is based in various community locations.
Keep using help for all
While you’re waiting for specialist services, it’s important to keep following the advice given in earlier stages of the map.
-
1. Talking to your bump
1. Talking to your bump
Have a look at our "bonding with your baby in pregnancy" page for more information
-
2. Talking to your child
2. Talking to your child
Have a look at our "Why is talking to my child so important?" page for more information
-
3. Developing communication skills
3. Developing communication skills
Remember - you are your child’s first teacher, and you are the one that starts building your child’s communication from the very beginning!
The Tiny Happy People website shows you what you can do to help your baby from the beginning.
Big Little Moments is a campaign from Better Start Bradford - it shows you how the things you do as a parent really start to build your child's communication.
-
4. Help for all
4. Help for all
Universal services are available for every baby and child living in the Bradford district. They could include using the libraries, going to the parks and going to toddler groups. The early years of your baby’s life can be a busy time, for you and their brain!
Click on the button to find out more about the many services available to you and your child.
-
5. Bilingual Families
5. Bilingual Families
Talk to your child in your home language, the one you know best. These videos from Tiny Happy People show you how and explain why speaking different languages at home is a good thing.
Bradford Libraries has many dual language picture books which can be borrowed for those special story times in your home language.
-
6. What to expect and when
6. What to expect and when
Remember every child develops at different rates and your child is unique. These guidelines show you what to expect at the different stages of your child’s development.
If you are worried, the next step on the map will guide you on how to get extra help from targeted services.
-
7. Extra help
7. Extra help
Extra help, also known as targeted services, are there to support you if you have some worries about your child’s speech, language or communication.
-
8. Keep using help for all
8. Keep using help for all
While you’re waiting for extra support from targeted services, it’s important to keep following the advice given in earlier stages of the map.
-
9. Getting a referral
9. Getting a referral
Sometimes you and your child might need support from specialist Speech & Language Therapy services. Below, you can find information on how to get a referral.
If you live in Bradford
The Bradford Speech and Language Therapy Service (SaLT) works with children in Bradford from ages 18 months to 18 years who have speech, language, and communication needs. They offer a range of services including assessment, advice, therapy, and training. They offer an advice line phone where you can book a time to talk to a Specialist about your worries.
If you live in Airedale
The Airedale NHS Foundation Trust Speech and Language Therapy (Airedale SaLT) service can offer help for families in Keighley, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven. Their paediatric team is based in various community locations.
Talking Bradford resources
You can find posters, guides, promotional materials and lots more in our resources section
Did you Know?
We have a speech and and language pathway for those who provide childcare for babies and pre-school children. If you're interested in how Early Years practitioners use the Speech and Language pathway, you can have a look at this here