Need a Hand with SLCN? The SLT Advice Line Is Here for You
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to do next after a WellComm screening, or how best to support a child with emerging speech and language needs, you’re not alone. In fact, that’s exactly why the Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Advice Line exists, and it’s just had a fresh relaunch to better support Early Years settings across Birmingham.
Originally set up during the coronavirus pandemic, the advice line quickly became a lifeline for busy practitioners. With around 83 calls a month, it’s clear that having quick access to qualified SLTs makes a real difference.
Now, with a dedicated team of three therapists on hand, the service is ready to support you with all things SLCN (Speech, Language and Communication Needs).
What Can You Ask About?
Whether you're a nursery SENCo, a manager, or a practitioner working directly with children, the advice line is open to you.
You might want to:
Talk through your WellComm results
Get ideas for interventions or strategies
Ask about a child’s referral status
Explore ways to support communication across your setting
No question is too small, and no concern too niche. The team is here to listen, guide, and offer practical, evidence-based advice.
Real Support, Real Stories
The advice line is open to everyone, whether you're a parent or a professional, with any question, concern or request for support. Our team has helped with a wide range of queries, including:
A SENCo from a PVI nursery called with concerns about a child in their setting, who had a stammer. The SLT on the advice line was able to give strategies and advice to follow and emailed this to the SENCo.
A member of staff from a PVI called wanting general advice around supporting SLCN in their setting. The SLT discussed using object cues, modelling useful words, responding to echolalia and giving choices. The advice line SLT also emailed a referral form in case it was needed in the future.
How It Works
It’s a voicemail service, so just leave a message and one of our SLTs will call you back. The phone line is open 24 hours a day.
Qualified speech and language therapists are available to respond to messages on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 4pm.
Prefer email? That works too. The inbox is monitored daily, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can, just let us know the best time to reach you.
Get in Touch
SLT Advice Line: 0121 466 6231
Email: bchnt.childrens.slt@nhs.net
Whether you’re looking for reassurance, resources, or a sounding board, we’re here to help you and the children and families you support move forward with confidence.
Feel free to download and display our advice line poster (shown above) in your staff area.
For more information on Children’s Speech and Language Therapy services in Birmingham, visit www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/childrens-SLT.
Vicky Caulfield, Early Years SLT Co-ordinator South West
Vicky has worked as a Speech and Language Therapist in the NHS for 19 years, 11 years in Birmingham. She currently works in the Edgbaston and Northfield districts, supporting children and their families in the Early Years, offering book-in appointments at the Children’s Centres and visits to EY settings when required.
Vicky and the EY SLT team work closely with Birmingham City Council colleagues to support Speech, Language and Communication Needs across the city as part of The Balanced System® way of working.
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