Language Development

Language Development

Chatterboxes Project - Supporting Speech and Language Skills

Language Development

Supporting Children's Speech and Language Skills

It is really important for children to develop good speech and language skills. Children who have good speech and language skills have better social communication skills and are better equipped for starting school and learning to read and write.

SPECS have teamed up with the HSE Speech and Language department in Bray to launch the Chatterboxes project. The aim of the project is to bring SLT services out of the clinic and into the community.

Community Based

Services in early years settings

Professional Support

HSE Speech & Language Team

Children learning language skills
Chatterboxes Logo

How Chatterboxes Works

The Speech and Language Therapist works directly with staff in early years services and primary schools across Bray as well as with parents to empower them to support children's speech and language development.

There are 3 strands to the project:

1. Practitioner Capacity Building - Hanen Learning Language and Loving It

SPECS supports early years practitioners and teachers to develop language supports through the Hanen Learning Language and Loving It programme. It focuses on the important role that educators/teachers play in a child's life and equips them with the skills to positively influence children's language and literacy development by engaging in responsive and cognitively stimulating interactions.

Modelling, coaching and mentoring are at the heart of the Learning Language and Loving It programme and ongoing support after the programme is provided.

2. Language Development - Languageland

Coming soon - Watch this space for exciting developments in our Languageland programme!

3. Additional Support Services

Further strands of support are in development to ensure comprehensive language development assistance for all children in our community.

Language Development in Action

Children in language activities
Language learning resources
Interactive language sessions

Get Involved with Chatterboxes

Whether you're a parent, educator, or early years practitioner, the Chatterboxes project has resources and support to help children develop strong language skills.

For more information contact: