Early Language Development

This programme equips teachers, leaders, and practitioners with deep understanding and practical tools to support oracy and language acquisition, particularly for children who may not be meeting expected developmental milestones.

Each session is rooted in the latest research and includes real-world strategies to take straight into the classroom. Ideal for teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, SENDCos, and leaders, this course builds confidence in identifying and supporting Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).

Course Schedule:

• Session 1: Wednesday 21st January 2026
• Session 2: Wednesday 29th April 2026
• Session 3: Wednesday 17th June 2026

Session Overviews:

Session 1

What is Language and How Is It Developed

• Understand the components of language: form, content, and use
• Explore the importance of early language focus in classrooms
• Learn about the role of attachment and early book sharing
• Typical language development from 1–5 years
• Introduction to the 'building blocks' of language

Supporting Talk in Schools

• A simple framework for quality interactions
• How to create and manage a talk-rich environment
• Recognising and enabling quality talk
• Strategies to support and extend conversations

Session 2

Teaching Words and Making Them Stick

• How vocabulary is learned and stored
• Addressing the 'word gap'
• Exploring tiered vocabulary and teaching strategies
• Embedding vocabulary through meaningful contexts

Identifying and Supporting SLCN

• Understanding the prevalence and impact of SLCN
• Identification tools and classroom strategies
• Supporting children with EAL and SEMH
• Working collaboratively with parents and specialists

Session 3

Making Change, Sustaining Change

• Applying change theory to your school context
• Planning for sustainable impact
• Creating a robust Early Language Action Plan
• Embedding strategies across your team

Sharing the School Improvement Journey

• Celebrating progress and impact
• Sharing effective practice and outcomes
• Next steps for whole-school language development

Key Outcomes:

• Deepen your knowledge of language development and SLCN
• Build a toolkit of practical classroom strategies
• Improve outcomes in communication and language
• Develop a whole-school approach to oracy and early language
• Build confidence in planning and sustaining change

Format:

All sessions are delivered face-to-face at the venue highlighted in the course details and include interactive elements, gap tasks, and resources to apply in your setting between sessions.

Who should attend?

• Early Years Practitioners
• KS1 Teachers
• SENCOs
• English and Oracy Leads
• Headteachers & Senior Leaders