18 months-3 years
Little Talkers
A six-week small-group programme combining play-based activities, parent coaching and personalised strategies to use between sessions.
Explore Little TalkersToddler communication · Edinburgh & Lothians
Support when you are concerned about speech delay
When your toddler's speech or language does not feel where you expected it to be, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Small Talk Club offers practical support for young children and their parents across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Small Talk Club
HCPC-registered SLT
Paediatric support from an HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapist.
Little Talkers
Our six-week parent and child programme for ages 18 months to 3 years.
Bespoke 1:1 support
More individual therapy where a group format is not the right fit.
Start with what you notice
You do not need to choose a label before asking for advice.
Families may use the phrase “speech delay” to describe different concerns about talking or communication. The phrase alone does not explain why a child is finding something difficult or determine which support may be appropriate.
An enquiry is not a diagnosis. It is a first step towards sharing what you have noticed and understanding whether Little Talkers, bespoke 1:1 support or another next step may be worth considering.
Useful context to share
- What your child currently communicates using words, sounds, gesture or a combination
- Whether they are beginning to combine words into short phrases
- How communication feels during play and everyday routines
- Whether they already receive NHS or private Speech & Language Therapy support
Existing support options
Support built around the child and the parent.
Support is considered around the child and the parent, with practical strategies that can be used during play and everyday routines rather than only during a session.
Individual support
Bespoke 1:1 Speech & Language Therapy
Limited-capacity individual support for children who would benefit from a more tailored approach outside the group format.
Enquire about 1:1 supportA clear first step
You do not need to have all the answers before asking for help.
01
Tell us
Tell us what you’re noticing
Complete the suitability form so we can understand your child’s age, communication and current support.
02
Clinical review
A personal clinical review
Your enquiry is reviewed as a whole, including whether Little Talkers, bespoke 1:1 support or another next step may be appropriate.
03
Next step
Start the right support
If we look like the right fit, we’ll contact you directly. Payment is only arranged after suitability and availability have been confirmed.
Questions parents ask
Finding an appropriate next step
Is speech delay the same for every toddler?
No. Parents may use the same phrase for different concerns and children communicate in different ways. A Speech & Language Therapist can consider the wider picture rather than drawing conclusions from one description alone.
Will the suitability form diagnose my child?
No. The form gathers context about your child and what you are noticing. Your enquiry is reviewed by an HCPC-registered Speech & Language Therapist to consider an appropriate next step; the enquiry itself is not a diagnosis.
Can private support sit alongside NHS care?
Yes, where relevant. Small Talk Club is an independent service and does not replace NHS Speech & Language Therapy. You can tell us about any current support in the suitability form.
Which areas do you cover?
Small Talk Club supports families across Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian and West Lothian. Your postcode or local area helps us understand whether the available support is practical for your family.
Start here
Tell us what you are noticing about your child's communication.
The suitability form gives us enough context to consider the most appropriate next step.
Check suitability