Supporting Speech & Language Development In Early Years

Speech and language development is critical and impacts on many other areas of a child's life, including their ability to learn, express their needs, thoughts, and wishes, make friends, read and write, and behave well. However, research has shown that, in some areas, more than 50% of children entering Reception have language levels below what is expected for their age. As someone who works in the early years sector, it is your responsibility to set children up with the best possible outcomes - by being aware of the most effective ways to support children's speech and language development, you could help to change these statistics.

This course will explain what typical development in this area looks like, giving you insight into the complex processes involved in learning to talk - and why it can go wrong. It will discuss support strategies approved by speech and language therapists and early years professionals, and the expectations of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. It will also go into detail about speech, language, and communication needs - including what causes them, warning signs, and how to help children who you know or suspect might have them - and discuss how best to work with speech and language therapists and parents or carers.