How can we create a Language and Communication Supportive Environment in Early Learning and Childcare settings?: Appendix 2: Language and Communication Supportive Environment Self-Evaluation Tools

The self-evaluation tools below include most aspects of interactions, experiences and spaces particularly supportive of early language and communication and would therefore provide a good basis for any local self-evaluation of language and communication supportive environment.

Each of the tools listed contains some additional items. Those carrying out the self-evaluation should seek to include the listed core elements of interactions, experiences and spaces. Inclusion of any additional items is at the users discretion, based on knowledge of their individual setting.

Communication Supporting Classrooms Observation Tool

The Communication Supporting Classrooms Observation Tool was developed in 2012 as part of a UK Government funded research programme. The tools was designed for early years learning spaces.

East Ayrshire Communication Friendly Environments: Early Years Self-Evaluation Framework & Accreditation Assessment Tool

This accredited programme for early years was developed in East Ayrshire through partnership working between Speech and Language Therapy, Education and Educational Psychology. For access and further information contact Ariana Thompson.

Falkirk Council and NHS Forth Valley Early Level Spaces / Experiences / Interactions 

This suite of in-depth self-evaluation tools for early level includes separate audits to support teams look inwards at the quality of their interactions, experiences and spaces. They aim to promote a shared understanding of the delivery of high-quality pedagogy in Falkirk’s ELC settings and schools and were developed through collaboration between NHS Forth Valley Speech and Language Therapy services and Falkirk Council’s Education Quality Improvement Team (ELC). 

For more information about the audits, please contact Fiona Pascall (visiting teacher – early years).

Glasgow’s Language and Communication Friendly Establishment Key Indicators Framework and Self-Evaluation Toolkit

This key indicators framework was developed through partnership work between Glasgow City Council and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and supports the award of ‘Language and Communication Friendly’ status to early years, primary and secondary establishments.

Promoting and Nurturing Early Communication and Language in East Renfrewshire

This set of early years indicators was developed by East Renfrewshire Education Department and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Speech and Language Therapy and can be accessed by contacting Katherine Walters or Siobhan Drummond.

Renfrewshire Inclusive Communication Environments (RICE) Self-Evaluation and Key Indicators for Early Years Establishments

This key-indicators framework was developed through partnership work between Renfrewshire Council Educational Psychology Service and Renfrewshire Health and Social Care Partnership Speech and Language Therapy service as a joint initiative to develop the capacity of all educational establishments to support and develop the language and communication skills of all children.  For more information contact Catriona MacGregor, Educational Psychologist.