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Speech sound development and identification of difficulties
- Speech, language and communication
Most children take time to develop their speech sounds. We are not expecting children to use all sounds correctly when they start to talk. It is common for younger children to only be understood by people that know them well. As they practice talking, their sounds and clarity improves.
Some children will alter their sounds without help whilst some children find it more difficult to learn speech sounds. They may need some support to help their speech sounds become clearer.
Parents and carers can use this information at home to support their child. Education staff can also use this information with children in their school or setting.
Please try these ideas and advice before making a referral to the Speech and Language Therapy Service.
Useful resources for speech sound development
Speech sound development wheel
This development wheel provides guidance on what age we would expect speech sounds to develop. The early sounds are those made at the front of the mouth. For example, ‘p’, ‘m’ and ‘b’ and are the babbling type sounds children learn first.
Sounds such as ‘r’, ‘th’ and the cluster sounds ‘sm', 'gl' and 'pr’ appear much later than many parents (and often teachers) realise.
Download the speech sound development wheel
Speech sound screening tool
This tool can be used to assess a child’s speech sounds either at home or in their setting. It will help support you in identifying any patterns to the child’s speech sound errors and if you need to consider further support. Read more about the screening tool.
Last reviewed: 24 November, 2025
