Sophie Chalmers

• BSc (Hons) Speech and Language Sciences
• An evaluation of the Sure Steps to Talking (SSTT) Questionnaire and follow-up support for children identified at risk of developing speech and language difficulties.

Sure Steps To Talking (SSTT) is a questionnaire used by health visitors in Northumberland to identify children whose language skills are delayed at 12 months of age. This study explores how best to engage with parents and health visitors in using the SSTT. It involves collating local SSTT data and semi-structured interviews with 30 parents and 5 health visitors. This analysis will inform the training requirements of professionals and will help shape the “care pathway” for young children and their parents. The findings will increase confidence that children requiring additional language support are successfully identified and supported in their communities.

Project Supervisor: Prof James Law, School of Education, Communication & Language Sciences

Funding Source: Newcastle University