Supporting Language and Communication Skills in the Early Years

This webinar has now passed. You can download the slides from the session here and watch the seminar here

This webinar will focus on the process of implementing and evaluating programmes to support children’s language development. We will cover the content of the different schemes, our evaluation methods and the challenges faced when implementing these programmes.

What will this workshop cover?

There have been growing concerns about the number of children starting school in the UK with poor language skills, particularly children in areas of social disadvantage. COVID 19 has only served to exacerbate these concerns, with the vast majority of children missing out on vital early years education and the importance of the home environment being brought into stark relief. Early identification of language difficulties and the implementation of evidence based intervention form a pivotal role in tackling this issue. But how do we know what works?

In this webinar, we will draw on our work for Better Start Bradford to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced when delivering and evaluating a language intervention programme. We will discuss:

• the programmes we introduced to support children’s language development,
• some of the challenges we faced in evaluating these programmes and how we tackled these,
• and how the programmes were adapted in response to COVID 19

Throughout, there will be opportunities to ask questions, engage in discussion and share practice.

Who is this workshop for?

This webinar is focused on disseminating learning from ongoing evidence based intervention programmes and giving practitioners a space to share their own experiences and best practice. As such, it is suitable for:

• Leaders of Early Years Settings
• Practitioners and researchers interested in evidence based intervention
• Policy makers
• Commissioners

If you would like to take part in the workshop but are unsure whether the content would be suitable for you, please email us on events [at] niesr.ac.uk

What do I need to bring?

This workshop will be held online. To take part, you will need:

• A reliable internet connection
• A computer / laptop / tablet with access to a browser and mike. It should also ideally have a camera

Workshop Schedule:

All workshops will be 2.5 hours, running from 9.00 - 11.30am, or 1.00 - 1.30pm.

Session One (45 mins)

• Introduction to Better Start Bradford
• Evaluating Talking Together - a home based language intervention

Q&A (15 mins)

Break (15 mins)

Session Two (45 mins)

• Better Start Imagine - bringing books to families
• ICAN Early Talk - CPD for Early Years Practitioners

Breakout Brainstorming (25 mins)

How can we work together to ensure children receive high quality support in language and communication?

Round up and end of programme (5 mins)