Helping Children Find Their Voice: My Feature on the CBBC Parenting Helpline Podcast

As a speech therapist based in Wandsworth, South West London, I’m passionate about helping children develop their communication skills and supporting families through every step of their journey. That’s why I was thrilled to recently join the CBBC Parenting Helpline podcast to talk about some of the most common questions parents have about speech and language development.

In the latest episode of Parenting Helpline, I chat with Holly Hagan-Blyth and Charlie Hedges about a range of topics, including:

• How children learn language in everyday life

• Practical tips parents can use at home

• Ways to support children experiencing speech delays

This podcast episode is a fantastic resource for any parent looking to better understand their child’s communication development — whether you’re curious about what’s typical, or you’re concerned that your little one might need extra support.

Why Speech Therapy Matters in the Early Years

Early support can make a big difference. As a local speech and language therapist in Wandsworth, I work with families across South West London to build strong communication foundations. Every child develops differently, but with the right tools and strategies, they can gain the confidence to express themselves fully.

Join Me for a Parent Talk This October

This October, I’ll be hosting a special parent talk for families with preschoolers in Wandsworth and South West London. During this event, I’ll share practical advice on:

• How you can support your child’s speech and language skills at home

• Simple, everyday strategies to encourage communication

• Your questions answered in a live Q&A session

If you’ve been wondering how best to help your child’s speech and language development, this is a great opportunity to gain confidence and ask any questions you might have.

Listen to the Podcast & Get Involved

You can listen to the full Parenting Helpline episode here

If you’re local to Wandsworth or the surrounding areas of South West London, I’d love for you to join me at the October talk — or get in touch if you’d like to discuss how speech therapy can support your child’s unique journey.

Help! My Child Can’t Say “K”! Is This Normal?

As a speech and language therapist, one of the most common questions I get from parents of toddlers is: “My child can’t say the sound ‘k’. Is that normal, or should I be worried?”

At age three, it’s very typical for children still to be working on certain sounds. Their speech isn’t perfect yet, and that’s absolutely fine! But there are a few patterns I pay close attention to when deciding whether a child is on track, or whether it’s time to recommend a speech assessment.

One of the key things I look at is whether a child is fronting or backing their sounds.

What is Fronting?

Fronting happens when a child replaces a sound that’s made at the back of the mouth (like /k/ or /g/) with a sound that’s made at the front (like /t/ or /d/).

For example:

• Saying “tat” instead of “cat”

• Saying “doe” instead of “go”

This is a very common and expected speech pattern in younger children. By around three-and-a-half, most children start to grow out of it naturally. So if your three-year-old is fronting, I usually recommend patience and modelling the correct sound, more often than not, they’ll catch up on their own.

What is Backing?

Backing is when the opposite happens: a child takes a sound that should be made at the front of the mouth (like /t/ or /d/) and pushes it to the back (like /k/ or /g/).

For example:

• Saying “goor” instead of “door”

• Saying “key” instead of “tea”

Unlike fronting, backing is not typical at any age. When I hear a child consistently backing sounds, that’s a clear sign to me that it’s worth referring them for a speech and language assessment.

When to Wait vs. When to Refer

• Fronting (e.g., “tat” for “cat”) → usually normal at age three, and often resolves on its own by age four. I normally suggest waiting, modelling, and keeping an eye on progress.

• Backing (e.g., “goor” for “door”) → not typical at age three (or at any age). If I hear this pattern, I recommend a referral to a speech and language therapist.

Summary

If your child is three and can’t yet say the “k” sound, don’t panic, it’s often part of typical development. But if you’re hearing patterns like backing, or if you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts and check in with a speech and language therapist. Early support can make a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age should my child be able to say the “k” sound?
Most children can say “k” and “g” sounds correctly by around 3½ years old. At age three, it’s common for them to replace these sounds with a “t” or “d” for example saying “tat” for “cat”. This pattern, called fronting, usually resolves on its own.

Is it normal for a 3-year-old to say “tat” instead of “cat”?
Yes! This is a very typical speech error at this age. Many children go through this stage while their speech sounds are still developing. By around age four, most children grow out of it naturally.

What does it mean if my child says “goor” for “door”?
This is called backing, where a sound that should be made at the front of the mouth is moved to the back. Unlike fronting, backing is not typical at any age. If your child is backing sounds, it’s a good idea to check in with a speech and language therapist.

When should I see a speech and language therapist?
If your child is still fronting after their fourth birthday, or if you notice backing (such as saying “goor” for “door”), it’s best to seek professional advice. If you’re ever unsure, trust your instincts, an assessment can give you peace of mind.

How to Find a Speech Therapist in South West London (Wandsworth, Battersea & Clapham)

Finding the right speech and language therapist (SLT) for your child can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to start. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different ways to access speech therapy in South West London, whether through the NHS or privately, so you know what your options are.

Accessing NHS Speech and Language Therapy in South West London

The NHS provides speech and language therapy services for children, but the referral process can vary slightly depending on your local borough. Here are the main routes:

1. Self-Referral

In many parts of South West London, including Wandsworth, Battersea, and Clapham, parents and carers can refer their preschool child directly to NHS speech and language therapy services. This usually involves completing a referral form on your local NHS trust’s website. You don’t need a GP to make this referral, although you’ll often be asked to provide details about your child’s development and communication needs.

2. Referral Through a Professional

If you’re unsure about the process, or if your local NHS trust does not accept self-referrals, another professional can make the referral on your behalf. This could be:

• Your GP

• Your child’s health visitor (particularly for children under five)

• Your child’s nursery or school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Coordinator)

These professionals can help by identifying your child’s needs and supporting the referral to NHS services.

⚠️ Important to note: NHS waiting times can be long, particularly in busy London boroughs such as Wandsworth. While the service is free, some families choose to explore private options while they wait.

Finding a Private Speech and Language Therapist in Wandsworth, Battersea & Clapham

If you’d like to access support more quickly, or prefer more flexibility in session times, you may wish to look for a private SLT. Here are some reliable ways to find one:

1. ASLTIP (Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice)

ASLTIP is the main directory for independent SLTs in the UK. Their website lets you search for qualified, HCPC-registered therapists by postcode or specialist area. This is a great place to start if you want reassurance that the therapist is fully accredited.

2. Local Recommendations

Word of mouth can be powerful, many families find therapists through recommendations from friends, nurseries, schools, or local parent groups in Battersea, Clapham, or wider Wandsworth.

3. Private Practices in Your Area

Some therapists work independently, while others run practices that cover South West London. Our team at South West Speech Therapy is based in Wandsworth and supports families across Battersea, Clapham, and the wider South West London area. We offer assessment and therapy sessions tailored to your child’s needs, with flexible scheduling and ongoing support for families navigating both NHS and private services.

NHS and Private Therapy: Can You Do Both?

Yes, you can. Choosing private therapy does not stop you from accessing NHS services. Many of our families do both:

• Some see us while they are waiting for their NHS therapy to begin.

• Others pause private sessions once NHS therapy starts, and then return to us if their NHS support pauses or finishes.

• Some families run NHS and private therapy side by side, so their child gets consistent input.

This flexible approach means your child can receive support when they need it most, without having to “pick” one system over the other.

Which Option is Right for You?

There’s no single “best” route, some families choose to wait for NHS support, while others start with private therapy and then transition into NHS services, or use both at the same time. The most important thing is that your child gets the help they need to reach their full potential.

If you’re looking for a speech and language therapist in Wandsworth, Battersea, Clapham, or the wider South West London area, please feel free to get in touch with us at South West Speech Therapy. We’re happy to answer your questions and guide you through the process.

✅ Key Takeaway:

• NHS referrals can be made by parents (self-referral), GPs, health visitors, or school staff.

• Private SLTs can be found via ASLTIP, local recommendations, or practices like ours in Wandsworth.

• Accessing private therapy does not affect your right to NHS therapy many families use both together, or move between them depending on availability.

• South West Speech Therapy is based in Wandsworth and supports families across Battersea, Clapham, and South West London.