Speech Therapy Services - Subregion 1

WNSW PHN is seeking to commission speech therapy services for preschool-aged children under six at risk of mild to moderate language delays in these areas, prioritising lower Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) areas and First Nations children. According to a recent submission to Parliament (2023) regarding early intervention and impact on a child's trajectory, the Speech Pathology Association confirmed that early years of a child's life (from birth to five years of age) are a critical time for the development of language and foundational literacy skills. These skills develop best in language rich environments, with quality interactions and exposure to the speech and language of others. They are a predictor of later educational outcomes, particularly later literacy skills and are at the heart of successful participation in education. Language and literacy skills therefore form the core building blocks of education, employment, social relationships and participation in our society. It has also been demonstrated that early intervention has significant impact on economic and health outcomes for the broader population, including chronic disease prevalence later in life. (Developmental language disorders - A follow-up in later adult life. Cognitive, language and psychosocial outcomes. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, March 200546(2):128-49).