Greater expectations
Author: Nicola Brooke
Magazine issue: Spring 08
Page numbers: 14-16
Date: 29 February 2008
URL: /content/files/SALTiPSpr08NBrooke.pdf
Nicola Brooke is clinical lead speech and language therapist for health promotion for Southampton City PCT, a post created in 2004 to tackle a perceived increase in children experiencing delayed and / or impoverished language skills. Joint funding has enabled her to implement initiatives aimed at increasing knowledge among practitioners and families of how to encourage normal language development and make timely onward referrals. These include a training programme for practitioners working with preschool children, a magazine containing communication information and tips for families with young children, and similar information on culturally appropriate DVDs. Nicola lists the ongoing challenges of providing training for the right people at the right level, assessing need and evaluating outcomes.
