Supporting Speech & Language Development In Early Years

Duration 3 hours

Last audited 10th February 2023

CPD Approved
Supporting Speech and Language Development in Early Years
For me
For teams
  • 100% online training

  • Start when you like

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

  • Instant assessment and result

  • 1 learner per course

  • Train teams of all sizes

  • Bulk discounts starting at 10% off 10 courses

  • Learn on any device (desktop, mobile or tablet)

£30 +VAT

include vat

Includes a 10% discount for 10+ courses

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. 

100% online training

Access anywhere

Same day digital certificate

Printed certificate posted next working day

Full audio voiceover

Unlimited assessment attempts

Developed by early years and speech and language professionals

Accredited by CPD

Accompanying course workbook and a range of downloadable, interactive resources

Earn 3 CPD points on completion

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, you will:

  • Understand the importance of speech, language, and communication for children’s overall development and later lives.
  • Understand what the terms speech, language, and communication mean.
  • Know the basic developmental milestones within speech, language, and communication development.
  • Know the EYFS expectations in this area and be able to meet them.
  • Understand how to support speech, language, and communication development using a variety of techniques, including having a communication-friendly environment.
  • Understand how children with EAL's development may differ, and how to support and monitor their progress.
  • Know and recognise warning signs of the different types of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) that children might face.
  • Know how to implement targeted support for different types of SLCN, and create a support plan to monitor progress.
  • Understand how and when to make referrals to speech and language therapy.
  • Know how to work effectively with parents and carers to maximise the support children are given and flag concerns.

Training you can trust

  • Course Content
  • Assessment
  • Suitable for

Module 1: Understanding Speech, Language, and Communication

The impact of speech, language, and communication, what are speech, language, and communication, the communication chain, typical development, EAL development, and the EYFS framework.

Module 2: Supporting Speech, Language, and Communication Development

Talking together, attention, listening, and auditory memory, adapting your language to the child, modelling language, communication-friendly environments, and working with parents and carers.

Module 3: Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN)

What are SLCN, risk factors of SLCN, warning signs of SLCN, and responding to concerns.

Module 4: Targeted SLCN Support Strategies

The graduated approach, support strategies, referring SLCN, working with parents and carers, and example scenarios.

The online assessment is taken on completion of the training material. You will be asked 20 multiple choice questions with a pass mark of 80%. The answers are marked automatically so you will instantly know whether you have passed. If you don't pass, don't worry! You can take the test as many times as you need with no extra charge.

This course is recommended for all those working in the early years sector, including:

  • Early Years Workers.
  • Early Years Practitioners.
  • Early Years Educators.
  • Early Years Teachers.
  • Senior practitioners and managers.
  • Reception teachers and teaching assistants.
  • Childminders.
  • Nannies.
  • Playgroup workers.
  • Toddler group workers.
  • Crèche workers.

Course reviews