The Birmingham Local Area SEND inspection in 2018 highlighted the need to reduce waiting times for Speech and Language Therapist referrals. In response, Birmingham adopted the Balanced System Approach, focusing on family support, environment, workforce, identification, and intervention.
The WellComm toolkit (including SLCN identification tools and activities for supporting key language development goals) was implemented in early years settings citywide, with mandatory data collection to monitor progress. While initial results showed improved outcomes, challenges included inconsistent data returns and misalignment in assessment recording. Outreach support from the early years developing local provision team and new data tools addressed these issues, as well as a mandatory requirement linked to the Early Education Fund from 2025. The project’s impact includes reduced waiting lists and better early years outcomes, with ongoing efforts to refine resource allocation and track child-level data.
Background
The Birmingham Local Area SEND inspection conducted in July 2018 identified a critical need to reduce waiting times for Speech and Language Therapist referrals. In response, key strategic partners adopted the Balanced System Approach a comprehensive framework designed to enhance Speech, Language, and Communication (SLC) outcomes. This approach encompasses universal, targeted, and specialist services, with a focus on the following areas:
- Family Support
- Environment
- Workforce
- Identification
- Intervention
Early Years WellComm Project and Data Collection
Following extensive engagement with health colleagues and a thorough review of available tools, Birmingham selected WellComm as the foundation of the “Birmingham Approach.” Guidance and support from Sandwell Council, which had previously implemented WellComm, enabled Birmingham to avoid common pitfalls. It is recommended that any council introducing a new initiative seek support from other local authorities to facilitate smoother implementation.
To underpin the “Birmingham Approach,” the Now You’re Talking Birmingham initiative was launched. Birmingham City Council provided WellComm toolkits and training to every early education provider, contingent upon the termly submission of WellComm data to the Local Authority. Initially, this data was collected via a Microsoft Form each term, with the primary aim of targeting support and training for early education providers.
The project’s focus areas included:
- Family Support: Enabling providers to help families create language-rich home environments and access specialist services as needed.
- Environment: Promoting language-rich settings and pedagogical strategies tailored to individual and group needs.
- Workforce: Raising awareness of the benefits of universal SLC support for all children, including those with SEND.
- Identification: Accurately identifying children requiring targeted or specialist support.
- Intervention: Ensuring all children receive targeted SLC interventions while in early education, including those awaiting or receiving Speech and Language Therapy.
Initial data collection revealed several insights. Each term, between 20% and 22% of children demonstrated progress, confirming the effectiveness of this approach. However, data returns from providers were inconsistent, with some ceasing to submit data. Challenges reported included:
- Workforce shortages, staff absences, and recruitment or retention difficulties
- Managers struggling to assess children amid competing priorities
- Inconsistent dissemination of learning and delegation of WellComm screening to key staff
Despite these challenges, improvements in WellComm data and the proportion of children achieving a Good Level of Development underscored the value of the approach. Additional outreach support was provided, including face-to-face screening and data return assistance for non-responding providers. This not only improved data returns but also highlighted previously unrecognised barriers.
Further issues included misalignment between providers’ assessment recording methods and the Local Authority’s data collection process, as well as frustration with the Red, Amber, and Green scoring system, which did not capture progress within each band. In response, new spreadsheets for schools spreadsheet and PVI spreadsheet were developed collaboratively to address these concerns.
Mandatory WellComm Data Collection
After a successful trial in summer 2025, Birmingham introduced mandatory WellComm screening returns as part of the Early Education Funding claim. Providers were required to submit screening and progression details for each child. To accommodate those not yet using WellComm, an option to indicate “new to setting, no screen yet” was included, ensuring the requirement did not affect funding claims and enabling identification of providers needing support. The sector responded positively, with increased uptake of training, online resources, and toolkit requests.
Lessons Learnt
The WellComm project in Birmingham has demonstrated the value of robust data collection, which has been essential for evidencing positive impact and highlighting the need for ongoing resources to embed and sustain toolkit use. Collaboration with multiagency partners has ensured WellComm is now a common language among families and providers, and it is firmly integrated into Speech and Language referrals and interventions.
What Would Birmingham Change?
The primary recommendation is to allocate consistent resources from the outset. While initial expectations were that training and funded toolkits would suffice, it became clear that additional resources, achieved through process improvements and reduced duplication rather than increased staffing were necessary.
Impact
Speech and Language have become a central focus in Birmingham early years education, with data indicating improved outcomes and gradually increasing Good Levels of Development. Waiting lists for Speech and Language Therapists have decreased, and families are receiving timely support within their communities. The early years sector has embraced the mandatory data collection process, reflecting a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children.
Next Steps
Efforts are underway to track child-level data, particularly to identify siblings of children who did not achieve a Good Level of Development. This will enable targeted support through Family Hubs and early education for those at increased risk. WellComm data will also inform SLC support Home Learning Environment plans for children under two , in collaboration with Family Hub colleagues.