City EY Settings using Verbo – Supporting Children's Speech, Language & Communication
What is Verbo?
Verbo is an online speech, language and communication support platform that helps early years settings identify and respond to children's communication needs as early as possible. It has been developed to complement, not replace, Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) services.
To find out more about Verbo, visit: Verbo - Speech & Language Therapy Toolkit by NHS Professionals
Or watch an introduction video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ol35Ja0k6jk
Research shows that around 1 in 5 children start school with speech, language and communication needs, rising to around 1 in 2 children in areas of higher deprivation. Around 10% of children have persistent speech, language and communication needs. Early identification and support can make a significant difference to children's learning, confidence, wellbeing and future outcomes.
How does Verbo work?
Verbo provides practitioners with practical, evidence-based tools to support children aged 2 years and above. Staff who know the child well complete an age-appropriate communication screener, taking into account information shared by parents and carers, particularly where English is an Additional Language (EAL).
The platform helps practitioners to:
- identify areas where a child may need support;
- generate personalised communication targets;
- select up to three priority targets to work on at a time;
- access practical activities and strategies to support communication development;
- monitor progress using simple tracking tools; and
- review progress over time.
Verbo supports early intervention and can also provide useful evidence to accompany referrals to Speech and Language Therapy where specialist assessment is needed. However, it does not replace a full Speech and Language Therapy assessment where there are significant concerns about a child's speech, language or communication.
How are City settings using Verbo?
Many early years settings across the City are introducing Verbo as part of their everyday practice to strengthen the support they provide for children's speech, language and communication development.
Settings are encouraged to:
- begin by screening a small number of children;
- share learning and training with colleagues;
- make use of the Watch, Wait, Communicate training resources;
- appoint a Verbo Champion to support implementation and staff development; and
- work closely with parents and carers throughout the process.
Verbo supports the City's Ordinarily Available Provision (OAP) by helping settings identify and respond to children's communication needs at the earliest opportunity, before specialist intervention is required.
Who has access to Verbo?
Verbo is currently a setting-based platform. This means access is available to authorised staff within participating early years settings and schools.
Speech and Language Therapists support settings in using the platform effectively, but wider professionals, such as Social Workers and Early Help practitioners, do not currently have direct access. Work is underway to explore different levels of access for professionals across services in the future.
Where appropriate, settings can securely share relevant information and resources with other professionals using temporary guest links to support joined-up working.
Parents and carers should be kept informed about how Verbo is being used to support their child, in line with each setting's own policies and procedures. Good practice is to involve parents and carers throughout the process and consider their views about their child's communication development.
Further Information
To learn more about Verbo and the support it offers, visit https://verboapp.co.uk/
Contact verity.welch@cityoflondon,gov,uk if you would like support in using the platform.