Speech and language development

One of our key areas of focus at the nursery is speech and language development.

Speech and language are central to children’s overall learning and wellbeing. In line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Development Matters 2021, communication and language underpin all areas of development.

The guidance highlights that children’s back-and-forth interactions, vocabulary growth and confidence in expressing themselves are crucial foundations for future learning, relationships and emotional development.

Strong communication skills help children to:

• Express their needs, thoughts and feelings

• Build positive relationships with peers and adults

• Develop listening and attention skills

• Support learning across all areas, including literacy, personal, social and emotional development, and understanding the world

Through daily routines, play-based experiences, stories, songs and small-group activities, we are creating rich opportunities for children to hear and use language.

Staff are modelling language, introducing new vocabulary, encouraging conversations and supporting children to communicate in ways that suit their individual stage of development.

You can support your child’s speech and language development at home by:

• Narrating what you are doing or what is going on, for your baby

• Talking together during everyday activities

• Reading stories regularly and discussing pictures and events

• Singing songs and nursery rhymes

• Giving your child time to respond and express themselves