Nursery World - How an award scheme is supporting children with speech and language delay

An award scheme is helping early years practitioners to support children with speech, language and communication acquisition. Annette Rawstrone finds out how it has improved practice and outcomes at one setting in London.

More children are starting nursery with SLC delay following the pandemic PHOTOS Adobe Stock

Creating a supportive environment for early years children with speech, language and communication delay has always been important, but the need is greater than ever following the pandemic.

Covid restrictions affected some young children’s development by limiting time spent socialising and gaining new experiences that help them to learn new words and gain the skills to converse.

Sue Howlett, assistant head teacher at The Grove Nursery School in Peckham, London, says, ‘We are seeing an increase in the numbers of children entering nursery requiring some additional support for communication development because they have perhaps missed out on opportunities for early socialisation that they need.’

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