Toddler doesn't talk at nursery

[HopeAndJoy16]

My DD is 20 months and has been going to nursery 1-3 days per week since she was 12 months old. It's mainly my DP who does drop offs and pick ups due to my work hours. The staff fill in a diary which for the most part says "DD has been full of smiles..." "DD has had a lovely day doing...".
But today my DP picked her up and the staff mentioned that she doesn't really talk at nursery. I have noticed recently at playdates and playgroups that my DD can be a bit quieter, but put it down to tiredness/illness but now I'm worried there's something else going on? Is she actually maybe unhappy or anxious at nursery?

At home she's really coming on with her talking and is starting to put sentences together "i did it!" "Black cat" "yellow star" etc and does babble to me and DH, so it's not that she's delayed in her speech at all. My DP thinks that maybe she's just introverted like both me and DP are, which makes me sad because I'm very insecure about how quiet i can be and really hoped our DD would somehow not end up like me!

So please tell me i don't need to be worrying! Is anyone elses child been like this?!

My DD was completely non verbal when she started nursery - I think she was about 2 y/o when she started. For the first 3-4 months the staff assumed she couldn't speak, then they occasionally heard her speak to other children, but still not to the adults for another 3-4 months. She eventually grew out of it & is completely happy & confident now.

My 20month old doesn't go to nursery but when we go to groups, soft play, meet friends etc, he doesn't speak at all. At home he speaks a bit like 'mama, dadad, whatisit (all one word!) there' etc so he isn't a great talker yet but still speaks a bit. But in public not a word. I don't worry at all about it... maybe I should.

Some children don't chat and tend to be happy in their own company.

However if they are softly spoken or shy it can be easy to miss them talking in a busy nursery environment, some children need time and lots of reassurance from their key worker to come out of themselves.

maybe look at some makaton? Lots of nurseries use it and if she isn't confident to speak out she could sign to them. Something special and mr tumble is good to pick up key signs or the makaton charity online.

If they are concerned with her speech they may refer her to speech and language to get some additional support which is quite common, in some areas you can self refer through drop in services if you are concerned. Both my DD's were referred and got the help needed through nursery and school and are thriving now at 10 and 6!

Thank you both, I'm sure it isn't anything to be worried by and I'm being a bit pfb, I was just so sure Dd was settled and happy at nursery that it's come as a bit of a surprise. But they would have mentioned it if they thought it was because she was unsettled still after 8 months wouldn't they?

nocuts yes she knows some makaton, I wonder of nursery know she knows it?! I'll get DP to mention it. She comes home with new words and phrases from nursery all the time so i assumed she was chatting away to them like she does with us

I think my son just takes it all in rather than speaking, maybe when they are so young it is hard to express themselves through words so they don't bother. Probably much easier to point at things etc. It is different for them at home as it is their own peaceful (usually!) environment. I don't know, I wouldn't worry till they are another year older x

To put your mind at rest...

I teach a weekly toddler group, toddlers are between 18-36 months. They come wit their mums. Some say a few words, ‘bubbles’ ‘red car’ ‘painting’ etc. That is with their adult present.

None initiate conversation with me or each other.

I also teach a twice weekly class of 3 year olds. They have all just turned 3 in the last couple of months. Parents are not there. A few are very chatty, the rest are quite quiet. If I ask a question some will answer, some
Not. Sometimes I can understand them. Sometimes not.

I wouldn’t be too worried at this point.