New language support for early years

With children’s language development being key to their personal and educational development, Better Start Bradford is set to increase current low attainment rates with their latest project I CAN Early Talk.

BHT Early Education and Training has been commissioned by us to deliver I CAN Early Talk courses to early years practitioners in the Better Start Bradford area.

This project will support early years childcare and education providers, such as nurseries, childminders and schools to improve speech, language and communication for children aged 0-3.

The BHT Early Education and Learning team officially launched the project on Wednesday 27 June at the Mayfield Centre, and shared more about the I CAN courses they will be delivering – ‘I CAN Early Talk 0-5 Working with under 3’s’ and ‘I CAN Early Talk Working with Parents’ – to early years’ practitioners. They will also support early years settings to achieve the I CAN accreditation.

Amanda Hall, I CAN Training Coordinator, BHT Early Education and Training said: “We will be working towards a consistent approach to the development of speech, language and communication for children under three in our area. We want early years workers and parents to understand how activities and play links to how babies and toddlers most effectively communicate and develop their speech and language.”

Michaela Howell, Director, Better Start Bradford said: “Communication and language is fundamental to our children’s development, it is essential for their social interaction, playing and learning. At Better Start Bradford we are working towards ensuring that all of our children under four are armed with the language and communication skills to start school with confidence and the eagerness to learn.”

Early Years Foundation Stage Progress statistics from 2017 show that 76.5% of children in the Better Start Bradford wards achieved the expected level of development in communication and language, compared to 82% nationally.