Super Communicator

Good communication is important for young children. Super Communicator sessions at Sunderland's Best Start Family Hubs help children learn to talk, listen, and play with others in a fun and caring environment.

About Super Communicator sessions

Age range: 18 months to 3 years (referral only)

The 6-7 week early language sessions are designed for children who have been assessed and need support to enhance the language they already have. Parents and carers can make direct referrals.

What's included:

• Books - shared reading to build vocabulary and comprehension
• Singing and rhymes - fun ways to develop rhythm and language
• Den building and messy play- creative activities that encourage expressive language
• Library trip - a chance to explore books and stories together
• SALT practitioner support - a speech and language therapist (SALT) attends one session to offer guidance and answer questions

Each Super Communicator sessions focus on developing the skills listed below:

Enhanced language exposure

• Children hear a wide range of words and sentence structures from adults and peers.
• Activities like nursery rhymes and storytelling build vocabulary and listening skills.
• Group leaders use clear speech, gestures and repetition to reinforce understanding.

Listening and attention skills

• Structured routines like circle time and games help children learn to listen, follow instructions and take turns.
• Exposure to different voices and sounds improves auditory processing.

Social communication practice

• Children learn to initiate conversations, respond to others and use gestures or expressions.
• Turn-taking and sharing are practiced regularly, building confidence and social skills.

Parent learning and support

• Parents gain practical strategies to support speech and language at home.
• Workshops offer insights into developmental milestones and early signs of delay.
• Family Hubs connect you with speech and language therapists and early years specialists.

Early identification and intervention

• If additional support is needed, Family Hubs can refer families to professionals and provide tailored resources.

HLE referral form - 2025 (Word doc, 122 KB)

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Quotes about Super Communicator 

 "Henry has really come out of his shell since joining the Super Communicator sessions. Even though his health and hearing were fine, we were concerned that he wasn't speaking at all, and health professionals recommended the group to us. Since joining this group, we've seen a huge change in him and although his speech is still limited, he has become more confident, sociable, and he loves interacting with the other children. He's even started asking for things to be labelled at home which is one of the suggestions they gave us at the sessions.

"I was nervous about coming along at first - even as a second-time mam and someone who's worked in Early Years. You feel like you should know what you're doing, but it's easy to start doubting yourself. The support we've had has been brilliant. It's reassured us that we're doing the right things and given us the confidence to keep going. Sometimes it's just about sticking with it and knowing you're not alone.  My husband has come to every session too and found it invaluable for learning how to support Henry's communication through play. It's lovely to see him being so friendly and sociable with the rest of the group and these sessions have truly helped build his confidence and ability to interact ahead of starting nursery." 

Natalie Orwin

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"It's been really positive supporting families through the Super Communicator sessions. The Family Hubs are brilliant. We've been able to offer training  to staff to help enhance their skills in supporting families and children with their communication and language development. Being in the groups has helped us build relationships with parents and carers in a relaxed, play-based environment where they can hopefully feel at ease with their children.

"While children often grow in confidence over the six weeks - getting to know the space, staff and routines - the biggest impact is often on the parents and carers. We're giving them strategies they can use at home, like getting down on the floor and following their child's lead, labelling and repeating words during play and everyday situations. You can see their confidence grow in real time. We're there to reassure them on all the positive things that are doing, and that can make such a difference in supporting their child.

"My colleagues and I also attend Stay and Play sessions at all five of the Family Hubs so we can support even more families in a relaxed setting. Early advice and support at this stage might mean that families don't need to access us in the future." 

Claire Atherton, Speech and Language Therapist Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS Trust  

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"We were referred to the Super Communicator sessions by our GP surgery to help Harrison improve his speech, but they've supported so much more than that. He really enjoys coming and gets a lot out of being around the other kids. I've picked up lots of little tips to encourage his speech - like giving him options and through music and ways of helping him develop his language at home. He wasn't very social before, but just six weeks in, he's much more confident and his interactions with adults and other children have really improved. It's been brilliant for him."

Jamie

 

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"I think the Super Communicator group has been really good - it's definitely brought Riley on a lot. At his two-year check, the health visitor noticed he wasn't communicating very well, so we were referred to the group. We're now at the end of the six weeks and I can already see a big difference. It doesn't feel like a speech session - it's really relaxed and fun, but it's making a real impact. Riley's come out of his shell so much. At the start, he'd just run around, but now he's playing with the toys, knows where things are, and is starting to develop his skills. I've even noticed him doing the same things at home. I'd definitely recommend it - I'm really glad we came along." 

Lexi

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If you're interested in joining a Best Start Family Hub group in Sunderland or think your child may benefit from Super Communicator sessions, speak to your early years setting or contact your local Family Hub directly.

Bunnyhill Family Hub
Hylton Lane, Sunderland, SR5 4BW
0191 561 8126

Coalfield Family Hub
Hetton Centre, Welfare Road, Hetton le Hole, DH5 9NE
0191 561 4084

Thorney Close Family Hub
120 Thorndale Road, Sunderland, SR3 4JQ
0191 561 4127

Rainbow Family Hub
34 Elliott Terrace, Washington, NE37 3AE
0191 561 3995

Winnibell Family Hub
1-4 Lombard Street, Hendon, Sunderland, SR1 2HS 
0191 561 2850 

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Sunderland Communicates Together for families