The development of children’s spoken language underpins all seven areas of learning and development. Children’s back-and-forth interactions from an early age form the foundations for language and cognitive development. The number and quality of the conversations they have with adults and peers throughout the day in a language-rich environment is crucial. By commenting on what children are interested in or doing, and echoing back what they say with new vocabulary added, practitioners will build children’s language effectively. Reading frequently to children, and engaging them actively in stories, non-fiction, rhymes and poems, and then providing them with extensive opportunities to use and embed new words in a range of contexts, will give children the opportunity to thrive. Through conversation, storytelling and role play, where children share their ideas with support and modelling from their teacher, and sensitive questioning that invites them to elaborate, children become comfortable using a rich range of vocabulary and language structures. EYFS Statutory Framework 2024
At St Brigid’s we hold communication as one of highest priorities. Our EYFS is enhanced with opportunities to communicate verbally, with visuals and gesture. Many of our children start their school journey with under developed communication and language and we aim to provide an enriched environment to ensure high standards of language and literacy.
We use our speech and language graduated provision to support children at all levels and have access to a private therapist to allow for early identification and support.
