We want every child in Peterborough to have the chance to be the best communicator they can be - to give them the best start in life.
Learning to communicate is one of the most important skills your baby will learn. Communicating will help your child to confidently make friends, share their thoughts and feelings, listen to others, and ask questions about the world.
Tips on how to develop your child's speech and language skills - from pregnancy to five years
Babies and children love it when people chat, play, sing and read with them. They are starting to listen, take turns and learn new words.
You are the most important person in your child’s life. If you can, try including your family and friends so that your little one can start to build other trusting relationships as well as boosting their speech and language skills.
How dummies may impact speech and language development
The following websites have useful information to help you decide about whether or not to use a dummy or pacifier. You can find essential tips, benefits and risks, as well as information on how long-term dummy use can impact a baby's speech and language development.
- NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Children's Health Services - guidance on dummies and pacifiers
- NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT) - a guide to parents about dummies (opens PDF on the CPFT website)
- Dummies and Pacifiers: Essential Tips and Benefits for Newborns and Babies - BBC Tiny Happy People
50 Things to Do Before 5
It is never too early to start playing. Spending quality time with family, indoors and outdoors, is a great way to support children's development, learning and wellbeing.
Why not visit 50 Things to Do | Cambridgeshire & Peterborough where you will find lots of ideas of what you can do and where you can go, across Peterborough, with your little one, right from the start. The activities are fun and low or no-cost.
Getting your child ready to start school
Helping your child to prepare for starting Reception at school will build their confidence. We have put together an easy checklist to help you get your child ready for school, ready to learn and ready to succeed.
