just to update.. seen a speech therapist and she said he has a low score for his overall language, especially expressive language, but not low enough to be classed as a disorder (which is great) so we are now going to start some sessions with speech pathologist and she will give me homework to help him practice at home. at this stage hard to say how much he will improve but I pray he catches up with his peers in time for school. I really thought it was something he would out-grow but now realise that he really doesn't have huge conversations with me.. he tries to get out what he wants to say and I have just be doing a good job of interpreting and not realising he should be speaking better?? must be so frustrating for him.. Also had hearing checked and that came up all clear! still don't know what to do about prep at this stage. thanks for everyones help xx