08/05/2026
Do you have a child starting school reception in September?
Whatever their age, when it comes to speech, it can be confusing knowing what development is typical for your child.
Children develop at different rates, but here are a few examples of what your child would usually be able to do by around 4 years old:
• Listen to storybooks with pictures and talk about the story you’ve read them
• Say most sounds except more difficult sounds like ‘sh’ and ‘r’
• Use sentences that have 4 to 6 words in them, for example ‘I want to play with cars’.
• Start to link 2 sentences together by using ‘and’. For example, ‘I went to the park and I had ice cream’.
• Ask questions using words like ‘what’, ‘where’, and ‘why’
• Start conversations with you and with other people.
• Talk quite smoothly. They don’t repeat the first sound in words or get stuck trying to get a word out.
If you have concerns, or would like reassurance about your child’s development, Talking Bradford is here to help, bringing together support, information and resources for families in the Bradford District.
There are links to trustworthy, helpful websites such as Speech and Language UK, where you can find lots of information about ‘ages and stages’ and what to expect.
There are suggestions of free sessions you can go to with your little one, to help your child learn through stories, songs and play.
If you need extra help, there is also information about support available locally, for example through the Family Hub, health visitor, school nurse or your GP.
If you have any concerns, please ask for help – it’s the best way to help your child become a confident communicator as they grow.
Links are in the comments!
Speech and Language UK
Bradford East Family Hub
Keighley and Shipley Family Hub
Bradford South Family Hub
Bradford West Family Hub
Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust
Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership
Bradford district SEND Local Offer
