How can we create a Language and Communication Supportive Environment in Early Learning and Childcare settings?: Why is it so important to support early language and communication in early learning and childcare settings?

Early language and communication development is a critical foundation for children’s long-term attainment and wellbeing. Babies’ and young children’s language and communication development is profoundly affected by the spaces where they spend time and by the interactions and experiences that they have within these spaces. 

Parents and carers play a leading role in supporting their child to develop early language and communication skills. ELC staff work in partnership with parents to support early language and communication and to support the home learning environment where help is needed.

All babies and children who attend ELC settings, or who are cared for at home by registered childminders, benefit from carefully planned interactions, experiences and spaces to support their language and communication development.

Children with developmental differences and additional support needs benefit from the opportunity to play and learn in a language and communication supportive environment, alongside more individualised support available from local specialist children’s services.

Children with a home language or languages other than English will also benefit from this inclusive and supportive approach.

Strategies and approaches that support language and communication can also be of benefit to other areas of child development, including learning, problem solving, literacy, social development and emotional regulation.