Two year old - nursery think speech is a problem

[LynnThese4reSEXPEOPLE]

Hi there, hoping to get some perspective as I feel quite confused about the whole thing. Nursery have been in touch to say that they are concerned about my 2.5 year Old's speech development. I wasn't concerned at all - until they called.

They raised 2 issues - firstly that he is dribbling a lot at the moment. I've checked with a dentist and he's getting some back teeth through so I think that's what the issue is there. Secondly they said they are concerned because he doesn't talk in sentences a the time, and sometime says "nonsense words" as padding between two real words.

From my perspective:
He knows lots of words, both short and long (biscuit, caterpillar)
He knows his name and the names of his family and friends
He understands two stage instructions ("put your shoes away and then we can watch Duggie")
He counts to 13
He is aware of colours and gets them right about half of the time
He enjoys books

I've spoken to the Health Visitor and they are going to assess him. As a HCP I feel a bit blindsided - I was enjoying his toddler speech and reminding myself that it won't last forever. He's my youngest.

Any thoughts? Thanks

I'm no expert but my son (2 years 10 months) dribbles a lot and can't say more than 4 words sentences with lots of babble in between. I've asked a padiatrician and he has no worries about him. Says he just has very active salivation glands and that the words will come (he's made good progress as he had zero words at 2). Health visitor and nursery are not worried either. I have him in private speech therapy anyway and he has made good progress and we all think he will catch up.

Of course this is just my experience.

Mine dribbled a lot (but I'm talking still a bit at 4!) and it was a sign of him being dyspraxic. Yours is still little though. I would just go with it OP and not worry, the worst that'll happen from them being concerned is that he'll get extra help he doesn't really need. From what you've said though I wouldn't worry at all but it's great that they're raising it even if it turns out to not be an issue.

I agree with the above poster. I'd see what they are offering. Referrals to SALT? If so then it could be a bit of a wait anyway. If SALT have no concerns they'll sign him off again. I'm coming for an angle of a parent with a child who is delayed and i have appreciated the early intervention. If it moves his speech on a little then it's a bonus.

Thanks everyone who replied. I had a call from the nursery manager apologising for stressing me out. They said that they weren't worried, but my son's keyworker has gone a bit ott in terms of telling us how he could be helped if he needed help. Apparently they don't think he's speech delayed. So I'll go ahead and do the Health visitor paperwork as it doesn't take up any resources and will be reassuring too. Thanks 😁