Early years practitioners

In Nottinghamshire we have a wide variety of professional development opportunities that will allow early years practitioners to complete all the universal and enhanced competencies on the Communication Trust’s Speech, Language and Communication Framework (SLCF). Click here for information about this national framework. 

We also have a Talking Together Service available within and outside the county, providing an evidence-based way to utilise the early years pupil premium to support children's speech, language and communication.

 

Training for everyone

We recommend that all early years practitioners who work face-to-face with children and families attend the following courses once, which will fulfil competencies at the universal level of the framework:

• Talking Matters
• Let’s Interact
• Communication For All
• Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language (EAL) skills

These courses focus on providing support for vulnerable children, including prevention and early identification and support for children with additional needs.

There are no minimum entry requirements, but it is recommended that you complete the first three courses in order. Supporting Children with English as an Additional Language can be done at any time. 

The Talking Together Service provides an evidence-based way to use the early years pupil premium to support children's speech, language and communication needs.

 

Training for specific language roles

For early years practitioners with specific roles to develop children’s speech, language and communication skills, such as Home Talk workers, language leads and TAs, we recommend further training. Please contact L4L@nottshc.nhs.uk for more information.

Nottinghamshire’s Language Lead scheme provides a route from enhanced professional role responsibility for language development in an early years setting, through to accreditation that leads to a Level 3 award in “Supporting Speech, Language and Communication Needs”.

We can support 18 practitioners a year through the accreditation process. Email for further information about this scheme or visit our language lead page.