Unconscious Bias Course

Supporting Speech and Language Development in Early Years – Online Course

Course overview
This online course introduces the principles of speech, language and communication development in young children. It explores how early years practitioners and other adults can encourage communication through everyday interactions, language-rich environments and inclusive approaches. Learners will develop an understanding of early communication development, the importance of consistent support and the role of collaboration in helping children build their communication skills. The course takes 1 hour to complete and is worth 1 CPD point.

Please note: This course provides introductory Level 1 knowledge and awareness of speech and language development in early years. It does not replace practical, specialist or role-specific training that an employer may require.

What the course covers
• Introduction to speech, language and communication development in early childhood
• The importance of early communication skills
• Foundations of speech, language and communication
• Different levels of support for children’s communication needs
• Collaborative working and consistent communication practices
• Communication, engagement and workforce development
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Everyday interactions that encourage communication
• Exploring language and creating language-rich environments
• Providing sensitive language support
• Narrating and extending children’s language
• Listening, understanding and stages of attention development
• Recognising communication concerns and understanding when further advice or support may be needed

Who is it for?
This course is intended for people who work with young children or support their early communication development. It is suitable for introductory learning, staff induction, refresher training and knowledge enhancement.

It may be useful for:
• Early years practitioners working in nurseries, preschools and childcare settings
• Teachers and teaching assistants
• Educational support staff and inclusion coordinators
• Speech and language therapists seeking additional awareness of collaborative early years practice
• Parents, guardians and other caregivers who want to support children’s communication at home
• Professionals involved in children’s early learning and development

Practical benefits
• Develop a clearer understanding of early speech, language and communication development
• Recognise the importance of communication in children’s everyday learning and interactions
• Understand how language-rich environments can encourage communication
• Use everyday interactions to support children’s language development
• Appreciate the importance of inclusive and sensitive communication
• Understand the value of collaboration between families, educators and relevant professionals
• Improve awareness of when communication concerns may need further advice or support
• Support induction, refresher learning and ongoing professional development

What learners will be able to do
• Explain key principles and terminology relating to speech, language and communication development
• Recognise why early communication skills matter
• Identify common concerns or situations relevant to children’s communication development
• Understand their responsibilities and the boundaries of their role
• Recognise ways to encourage communication through interactions and language-rich environments
• Apply appropriate good-practice principles when supporting young children
• Communicate with relevant people when concerns arise
• Recognise when advice, reporting or escalation may be appropriate
• Understand the importance of consistent, accessible and inclusive support

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online quiz at the end of the course. On successful completion, they receive a free CPD-accredited digital certificate, which can be downloaded or printed. The course is delivered online and includes unlimited assessment retakes, allowing learners to try again to improve their result.