LANGUAGE BOOSTER PROGRAMME
Early years language & communication intervention
We know that the first few years of a child's life are a highly significant time for speech, language and communication development. These skills underpin many areas of development and are crucial for learning, making friends and for individual health and well-being.
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Yet, in England, 1 in 4 children (or 1 in 3 depending on where you live) start school without the language skills they need to reach their full potential.
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Therefore, it is vital that early years settings are able to access the best possible tools, advice and training to help equip children with the language and communication skills they need to succeed.
At Small Talk we know that children learn best through play. Our sessions are aimed at boosting the language skills of young children through engaging activities, play-based learning and fun, developmentally appropriate activities, songs and games. The groups focus on enhancing vocabulary, listening, understanding, and expressive language skills, setting children up for success in communication during their early years and beyond.
LANGUAGE BOOSTER PROGRAMME:
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Why Choose Our Language Booster Programme?
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Targeted Group Sessions:
Over 6 weekly sessions, our therapist will work with a group of children at your setting, using games and activities designed to improve key language skills such as:-
Receptive and expressive language
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Turn-taking and social skills
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Attention and listening
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Confidence
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Vocabulary development
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Support for Staff:
The programme includes integrated staff training, providing your team with strategies and practical tips to continue supporting speech and language development throughout the week. -
Aligned with EYFS:
Our sessions are expertly designed to support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, ensuring they meet the developmental needs of children in line with national standards. -
Maximise Funding & Support Ofsted:
The programme is a cost-effective way to use Early Years Pupil Premium funding while also demonstrating your commitment to supporting children with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN), which is a key focus for Ofsted.
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Who can benefit?
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This Programme is ideal for children with delayed language development, but all children will benefit from the sessions. You can select the children who you think will get the most it, such as:
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Children who don't have many words or struggle to use language effectively
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Children who find it hard to engage, join in or take turns
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Children who find it hard to follow instructions, understand stories, or make sense of what others are saying.
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Children who are learning English as an Additional Language (EAL) and need support to build vocabulary, understand language structure, and practice social communication skills in a new language.
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​Children who may be shy or anxious, impacting their willingness to speak or engage in group activities. These groups provide a safe space to build confidence and social communication skills.
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Children without specific speech or language delays but that you think will benefit from a group that promotes listening, turn-taking, and cooperative play (which are all key components of effective communication.)
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How long does each session Last?
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When you purchase our Language Booster Programme, you'll receive the dedicated support of a Speech and Language Therapist for 1 hour each week. Most settings that purchase our group programme choose to split this hour into two 30-minute sessions.
Each 30-minute session is carefully designed to be the ideal length for young children. At this age, children's attention spans are still developing, and keeping the sessions to 30 minutes ensures that they stay engaged, focused, and actively participate without feeling overwhelmed. This duration allows for structured activities, targeted language interventions, and fun games, all while maintaining a pace that suits young learners.
By splitting the hour into two shorter sessions, we can also ensure that each child receives more tailored support in a smaller group setting, promoting better interaction and greater individual progress. This structure helps maximize the impact of the therapy, providing children with the best environment to develop their speech, language, and communication skills.
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wE'RE IN! WHAT NEXT?