Social value case study: FOLLOW for children's social communication
FOLLOW is an evidence-based early intervention initiative developed by our Speech and Language Therapy Early Years team to support children’s communication development. Recognised nationally with the HSJ Award 2025 for Early Intervention and Prevention for Children, Young People and Families, FOLLOW provides simple, accessible strategies for parents and professionals working with children that can be used in everyday interactions to improve children’s speech, language and communication outcomes. By embedding prevention and early help across universal services, FOLLOW delivers measurable social value for children, families, and the wider system.
The challenge
Children’s communication skills are fundamental to social interaction, learning, educational attainment and long-term wellbeing. In Hertfordshire, the Speech and Language Therapy service experienced a 60% rise in referrals over three years, placing increasing pressure on specialist services. At the same time, national evidence shows that more than 50% of children in deprived areas may start school with impoverished speech and language skills, increasing the risk of later educational and mental health difficulties.
Families and professionals consistently reported a need for clear, practical and confidence-building tools to support children’s communication earlier and more consistently, before difficulties escalated to specialist referral
Project description
FOLLOW was co-designed with families and professionals in response to these challenges and developed in partnership with a wide range of local organisations. It is built around six evidence-based interaction strategies captured in the acronym FOLLOW:
- Face to face
- Observe
- Label
- Limit questions
- Opportunities
- Wait
These strategies are designed to be used anytime and anywhere, making them accessible regardless of setting or professional role. FOLLOW is embedded across the system, including:
- Routine sharing by health visitors at the two to two-and-a-half-year review
- Delivery within Early Talk groups run by Hertfordshire One YMCA Family Support Centres
- Integration into advice given by speech and language therapists via consultations and advice lines
- Promotion at community events, including BBC Tiny Happy People events
Resources are available digitally via the FOLLOW website and campaign Linktree, alongside physical materials such as bookmarks, seasonal activity sheets and newsletters.
Outcomes and impact
Evaluation data from parents attending Early Talk groups between January and March 2024 demonstrates strong outcomes:
- 98% of parents felt confident using strategies to support their child’s speech, language and communication (up from 59%)
- 100% understood how to use strategies during shared book reading (up from 75%)
- 93% felt their child had made progress
- 99% knew how to access further speech and language therapy support if needed
- 100% intended to continue using FOLLOW strategies at home
Importantly, early data suggests FOLLOW may be contributing to reduced demand on specialist services. Only 20% of families went on to require a specialist speech and language therapy referral three months after attending an Early Talk group.
Beyond quantitative data, qualitative feedback highlights meaningful change for families, with parents reporting increased understanding, confidence and noticeable improvements in their child’s communication. FOLLOW messaging has now reached thousands of families and hundreds of professionals across Hertfordshire, extending impact well beyond direct service contacts.
Lessons learned
Early intervention works best when it is simple and universal: Embedding consistent messages across health, early years and community settings enables families to act early and confidently.
Co-production strengthens impact: Designing FOLLOW with families and professionals ensured relevance, accessibility and sustained engagement.
Prevention delivers system-wide social value: Supporting communication early can reduce unnecessary referrals, improve parental confidence and contribute to better long-term outcomes for children.
Visibility matters: Awards recognition, partnerships with GP practices, libraries and early years settings, and digital campaigns have all helped extend reach and normalise communication support as “everybody’s business”.
FOLLOW demonstrates how a preventative, evidence-based approach can deliver tangible social value by improving outcomes for children and families while supporting sustainability across the health and care system.
