Since 2003, the nursery schools in the Colin area have initiated a pilot Speech & Language Programme with the collaboration of Surestart and the Down & Lisburn Speech Therapy Department

A Speech Therapist comes to each of the 6 nurseries in the area once a fortnight. She assesses children with speech & language difficulties. This programme is based on the curriculum programme within the schools. All staff are trained in the Hanen Language Programme and Elkhan Language Programme to continue the work as directed by the Speech Therapist every fortnight.

Homework sheets are drawn up for parents to use also. We have a truly 'collaborative' programme. Good Shepherd Nursery School also provides family learning packs, sound bags, landing library as a back up also. The programme is evaluated on a yearly basis.

There has been a greater number of children assessed, helped and discharged sooner due to this scheme.

The Speech & Language Department in the local Health Centre does not have a waiting list now due to the ongoing programme in nursery schools..

We have now developed a manual detailing our programme for us by other areas.

Monica Culbert, Good Shepherd Nursery School