Super Six Strategies

Blackpool’s Speech, Language and Communication Super Six strategies have been developed to help children to talk more. If you are worried about a child’s speech, language and communication development, please find pathways of support below.

Watch and wait for a communication attempt. Wait for up to 10 seconds and then respond immediately.

Imitate sounds and actions. Interpret the intended message and then extend by adding extra words.

Model a range of vocabulary- nouns, verbs and concepts. Model sentences and grammar.

Notice their interests, value what each child says or does. Respond with warmth and enthusiasm every time.

Use four comments to one question. Link comments and questions, use open ended statements and questions to promote sustained shared thinking.

Choose from interactive and appropriate book types. Emphasise, explore and explain new vocabulary. Predict, pretend and problem solve. Use ‘I wonder’ statements.

What to do if you are worried about a child’s
speech, language and communication development

Speak to parents/carers, do they share your concerns?

Early Years Practitioners in Settings:

  • Speak to your Communication Champion.
  • Complete a WellComm Assessment.
  • If the child scores amber or red in their age-appropriate section, track the assessment back through the WellComm sections until the child had a green score.
  • Refer to the Post WellComm SLC Triage Panel and attach all the WellComm score sheets. You can find support on how to fill in these forms and other considerations on our SLC page here. Download the forms: Click here
  • Your Communicate SLTA can give you support and advice. Email: enquire@communicate-slt.org.uk

Childminders:

Access a WellComm kit and support (if required) to complete the assessment by emailing
enquire@communicate-slt.org.uk or earlyyearsslc@blackpool.gov.uk then follow the process above.

Health Visiting Teams:

  • On completion of the WellComm at a Healthy Child Development Check visit please refer into the Post WellComm SLC Panel any child with a red or amber score.
  • All children referred are offered support straight away from a Community Connector.
  • They all receive an information pack including a picture book and will be discussed in less than two weeks upon receipt of referral where the panel will decide on the appropriate pathway.
  • If parents/carers are reluctant for a referral or when the child is just amber (from green) in their age appropriate WellComm Section, leave the Super Six card for guidance and signpost them to the Explorers group in the Family Hub.

Wider Early Years workforce including Family Hubs, Early Help Teams and Library Staff:

Support and advice are available to you by emailing earlyyearsslc@blackpool.gov.uk

Please email if you think a child may have a speech, language and communication need and we can support with any referrals.