Supporting Early Language Development is a CPD programme developed by a group of English Hubs with support from Speech and Language UK.
The programme has been developed as part of a project to create a more consistent medium level support (MLS) offer across the English Hub network which will streamline workload for hubs and create more equal access to CPD on early language nationally for schools accessing support from hubs. The programme will be exclusively available via English Hubs.
Session 1: What is language and how it is developed
30 September 2026 | 15:45 – 17:00
Aims of the session:
- Introducing a model to understand what we mean by language (form, content, use)
- Discussing why it is so important for language to be a key focus in early years classrooms
- Exploring the role of attachment in language development, what this is and what it looks like
- Discussing a “building blocks” model of language development, what this is and what it looks like
- Learning about typical language development in 1–5 year olds
- How we can use book sharing as a method to build attachment and early language skills
Session 2: Supporting talk in schools
18 November 2026 | 15:45 – 17:00
Aims of the session:
- A simple model to guide general principles for supporting continued language development through interaction
- The impact of people – Interactions and how to manage talk environment
- What does good quality talk look like and when to step in – strategies
- Creating opportunities for talk
Session 3: Teaching words and making them stick
20 January 2027 | 15:45 – 17:00
Aims of the session:
- Explore the theory behind how children learn words and how they are stored
- Understand the ‘words gap’
- Develop an understanding of strategies to develop vocabulary
- Explore Tiered words and levels of language
Session 4: Identifying and supporting SLCN
03 March 2027 | 15:45 – 17:00
Aims of the session:
- How many children may have difficulties with talking and understanding words
- The impact of SLCN on learning, emotional and social development and behaviour
- Why identification is important and tools to use
- How to apply strategies into practice to support children with SLCN
- The importance of working with parents
- The relationship between SLCN and EAL and SLCN and SEMH
Session 5: Making change: sustaining change
28 April 2027 | 15:45 – 17:00
Aims of the session:
- Develop understanding of change theory and reflect on school context, considering implications for creating the school Action Plan
- Link knowledge from prior sessions (including gap tasks) to robust action planning
- Understand the ways in which change can be sustained through specific action planning
- Create a targeted and sustainable Early Language Action Plan
Session 6: Sharing the school improvement journey
23 June 2026 | 15:45 – 17:00
Please contact Michael Kimber (michael.kimber@tcat.education) for more information.