The Communication Club
What is Communication Club?
Communication Club is a small, inclusive Saturday morning group for children aged 2 to 5 years with a range of speech, language and communication needs. With a maximum of six children in each group, sessions provide opportunities for children to develop and practise their communication skills through play, interaction and carefully planned group activities. Parents and carers attend alongside their child, allowing strategies introduced within the group to be understood and continued naturally at home.
Who is Communication Club for?
Communication Club is designed for children with a range of speech, language and communication needs. Your child does not need to have a diagnosis to attend. The group may be suitable for families who have concerns about their child's communication, those waiting to access assessment or therapy services, or children who would benefit from additional opportunities to develop their communication alongside other children. Some families may also choose to attend Communication Club alongside their child's individual therapy programme.
What happens during a session?
Sessions are designed around play, interaction and communication, with activities adapted to the needs of the children attending. We support and encourage different ways of communicating, incorporating approaches such as visual supports, communication boards and Makaton where appropriate, alongside spoken language. The small group environment also provides opportunities to develop skills such as shared attention, interaction, turn taking, making choices and communicating with other children and adults.
Do parents and carers stay?
Yes. Communication Club is designed for children and their parent or carer to attend together. Being part of the session allows you to see communication strategies in practice and understand how you can support your child's communication during everyday routines and play at home. It also provides a welcoming opportunity to meet other families who may have similar experiences or concerns about their child's communication.
How big are the groups?
Groups are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of six children in each session. This allows us to create a relaxed and supportive environment while still being able to respond to the individual communication needs of the children attending.
When does Communication Club run?
Communication Club takes place on Saturday mornings at The Christopher Clinic in Bournemouth. Sessions are offered in blocks, giving children and families the opportunity to become familiar with the group, build on strategies from week to week and develop their communication skills over time.
Does my child need an assessment first?
No. Communication Club can be accessed directly and your child does not need to have completed an assessment at The Christopher Clinic before attending. If you have wider concerns about your child's speech, language or communication, or would like to explore their individual needs in more detail, you can also book an initial consultation with Dr Christopher.
Can my child attend Communication Club and individual therapy?
Yes. For some children, the two can complement each other. Individual therapy provides dedicated one to one time to work towards specific communication goals, while Communication Club provides opportunities to practise and develop communication naturally alongside other children in a small group environment.
How do I join Communication Club?
Communication Club can be booked directly through our online booking page. Simply choose your preferred Saturday morning session and book your child's place. Places are limited to six children per group, so advance booking is recommended.
