Delayed speach?

Hi Everyone, Im hoping someone may be able to help me as Im relatively new to childminding.

I have been minding a little boy 1 day per week for about 4 months now, he is 2 next week. He doesn't make any sounds at all that come from his mouth, he just makes squeaking sounds, so no babbling and no words. We have done everything we can to encourage him but are getting nowhere. We know he can hear because he is very aware of sounds in his environment eg if he hears an aeroplane he will point at the sky, even when indoors when he cant see the plane. He is really bright and his understanding is where it should be, he has taught himself lots of Makaton and makes up his own signs as well.

After being prompted by me, mum took him to the HV who told her that she has nothing to worry about and that she should take him to more groups to socialise him more. Mum asked if his 2 year old check could be brought forward and they said no. Should I push this further? Im convinced there is an issue and I feel really sorry for the little boy who is getting very frustrated but admit I don't have a lot of experience and I would appreciate any advice you can give me. Mum is happy for me to contact the HV team myself but Im not sure how best to approach this.

Sorry for the long post, any advice much appreciated! x

https://www.thecommunicationtrust.or...-speaking.aspx

Very useful documents here, free to download or order.
Armed with this book- called 'Universally Speaking', it clearly says what a 2-yr old should be doing/saying, I would say mum should be back to the HV or find a speech and language drop-in for mum to go to. I hear Speech and Language Therepy dept are very over stretched so it is a case of pushing and pushing for what you feel is needed.
Ask mum to visit the GP too, again with this book as a reference, for a hearing test will just rule out any other cause for a speech delay.

Good luck.

Thanks Moggy, Ill forward the booklet onto mum. I know that all children develop differently but this document seems to back up my thoughts that this child is about a year behind in terms of speech, thank again x