Free speech and language training
Posted: 01/08/2015
The Communication Trust in collaboration with City & Guilds has developed a level 3 Award Supporting children and young peoples speech, language and communication.
The crucial importance of language and communication for children is well evidenced:
1 Children with poor language skills in their early years are 6 times more likely to have reading difficulties;
2 Speech, language and communication needs impact on attainment, behaviour, social and emotional development;
3 In areas of social disadvantage around 50% of children are likely to have delayed language, impacting on their current and future learning and development in many of these areas, however, childrens needs have not been identified;
4 Children with SLCN are at higher risk of exclusion from school and 60-90% of young people in the youth justice system have SLCN, many of which are not identified before offending;
5 Good spoken language skills are strong predictors of later academic success. Just 15% of young people with SLCN achieve 5 GCSE A*- C or equivalent compared to 57% of all young people;
6 To gain Good or Outstanding judgements for OfSTED settings you will need to demonstrate effective progress for children in this area;
7 Language and communication is now one of the three core strands of the Early Years Foundation Stage;
8 Recommendations made by the Nutbrown Review of Early Years education, highlighted the importance of a qualified workforce in the Early Years who understand how to develop young childrens language skills;
9 The Primary National Curriculum Expert Panel concluded that spoken language should be a strong feature of any new National Curriculum. The Communication Trust is working with local authorities to promote this new professional qualification.
If you are interested in finding out more please contact Jo Lewins by emailing Joanna.lewins@nhs.net or calling 020 7138 1494.
Please note this is only available for those working with the under 5s in Lewisham.
