Speech sound skills: How children develop speech sounds for talking and literacy

Our “going-further” module Speech sound skills: How children develop speech sounds for talking and literacy explores what speech sounds are, and how they typically develop. It also gives information about speech sound challenges and how to identify children who need extra support.  

Intended audience

Staff working with children and young people in:
  • early years, including nurseries and childminders;
  • primary schools.

Course structure

This module is part of our ‘going further’ series of modules: Speech and language challenges in the classroom. All of the modules in this series can be completed as stand-alone modules based on your own CPD needs.

This module explores what speech sounds are, and how they typically develop. It also gives information about speech sound challenges and how to identify children who need extra support. We recommend that after this module, you complete the module Speech sound skills: Supporting children to speak clearly and develop pre-literacy skills. That module will equip you with practical ideas to support children with speech sound challenges in the classroom.

Time commitments

The module will take approximately one hour to complete. You can complete the module at your own pace and in your own time.

Pre-requisite Knowledge

This module is part of our 'going further' series. It is assumed that professionals have either completed the Introduction to speech, language and communication course on the Speech and Language UK Learning Centre, or have equivalent knowledge and skills gained through other formal or informal learning, and/or relevant experience working with children.