Next Steps

Please follow the guidance in the Handbook (paper users) or in the Assessment Overview screen (digital users). 

In principle, if a child has a Red outcome in the age appropriate section, or has Amber outcomes in two sections, or if you or the parent/carer(s) have specific concerns, referral to specialist services is recommended. 

Red indicators in the traffic light reports flag which children may benefit from SaLT or other specialist support. Children with amber indicators can be helped initially by school-based interventions to see if they improve without external support. In this way you know which children most urgently need help. Where you do apply for SLT services, WellComm’s reports support the referral process. 

Practitioners are encouraged to use their judgement and if they (or the parent/carer(s) have concerns, they should discuss these with their local service(s). 

WellComm users should "Follow the advice and activities in The Big Book of Ideas for the section above where the child achieved a Green code" (EY Handbook p.11, Primary Handbook p.7).   

It is helpful for practitioners to include comments on the following areas: 

• Speech sound problems  

• Attention and listening 

• Fluency (stammering) 

• Voice issues (e.g. hoarseness) 

There is space to record comments at every section (all formats) and also at each question (in WellComm Digital and/or WellComm Primary paper) 

There is guidance given in the Early Years Handbook (p.16-19) about running a language group. On p.17 section 6. Numbers, the advice is as follows: For those with normal listening and attention skills, about six seems to work best. If there are too many, children get fewer turns and it is more difficult to keep everyone on task.  

Similar advice is given in the Primary Handbook (p.11-12) with the same suggested numbers.