Communication and Language form the foundation of all learning in the early years. At our setting, we recognise that a child’s ability to listen, understand, and express themselves confidently impacts every other area of development. These early communication skills shape how children build relationships, share their thoughts, and explore the world around them. For this reason, we treat Communication and Language not as a single activity, but as something woven into every moment of a child’s day.
Our approach acknowledges that children arrive with different experiences, strengths, and needs. Some may be naturally talkative, while others communicate through gestures, facial expressions, or quiet observation before finding their voice. We meet each child where they are, offering a calm, language-rich environment that gently nurtures listening, attention, understanding, and expressive communication.
Creating a Language-Rich Environment
One of the most effective ways to support young children’s communication is through the environment itself. Our nursery is intentionally designed to encourage conversation, curiosity, and engagement. Throughout the setting you will find cosy book corners, small-world play invitations, labelled resources, and spaces purposely created to prompt questions and dialogue. Staff model high-quality language at all times, using rich vocabulary, descriptive commentary, and open-ended questions to help children broaden their understanding and confidence.
Children hear new words naturally embedded within meaningful experiences. For example, during water play, practitioners might introduce vocabulary such as “flowing,” “splashing,” “pouring,” or “transparent.” During outdoor exploration, children may learn terms like “rustling leaves,” “patterns,” or “shadows.” These naturally occurring opportunities allow children to absorb new language effortlessly and enjoyably.
Supporting Listening and Attention
Listening is not something that happens automatically; it is a skill that develops over time with guidance and practice. We create calm, predictable routines that help children recognise when it is time to listen, look, and focus. Whether during group time, story sessions, or one-to-one interactions, staff use visual cues, clear transitions, and gentle prompts to help children tune in.
Short, engaging story moments are introduced before gradually building to longer sessions. Songs, rhymes, and movement-based activities help children develop auditory memory and rhythm, both of which support attentive listening. We also include opportunities for children to lead, such as choosing a story or suggesting a rhyme, giving them ownership and motivation to participate.
Encouraging Understanding
Understanding language involves far more than hearing words. Children learn by connecting words to actions, objects, feelings, and experiences. Practitioners use modelling and careful observation to ensure each child is able to follow instructions, respond appropriately, and comprehend new concepts.
We use a variety of tools to support this, including visual timetables, Makaton signs, gestures, and demonstrations. When introducing new ideas or instructions, staff break information into manageable steps. During play, adults narrate what is happening to help children build meaning — for example, “You’ve put the big block on top of the small one. Now it’s getting taller.”
Group discussions, story predictions, and problem-solving tasks all support deeper language comprehension. Children are encouraged to think aloud, share ideas, and make connections between experiences, gradually strengthening their understanding of both concrete and abstract language.
Supporting Speaking and Expressive Language
We nurture children’s expressive skills by giving them time and space to talk. This includes structured opportunities, such as show-and-tell or group discussions, as well as unstructured play where practitioners are present to extend conversation naturally.
Our approach is based on genuine interest and encouragement. Staff carefully respond to children’s attempts at communication — whether through words, gestures, or emerging phrases — and build upon them with sensitive modelling. For example, if a child says “more juice,” an adult might expand the sentence to “You would like more juice, please.” This helps children hear more complex language without pressure to repeat it.
We never rush or correct children in a way that undermines confidence. Instead, we provide positive reinforcement and help them build clarity and range in their speech over time.
Role Play and Imaginative Language
Role play is a significant part of our Communication and Language provision. Through imaginative scenarios such as a pretend café, doctor’s surgery, or home corner, children practise real-life conversations in a safe and enjoyable setting. Staff participate as co-players when appropriate, modelling conversational turn-taking, asking questions, and introducing new vocabulary linked to the theme.
Props, costumes, menus, notepads, and themed resources further support children’s communication by giving them prompts for storytelling and role negotiation.
Songs, Rhymes, and Early Phonological Awareness
Singing and rhythm play a vital part in early language development. We include daily nursery rhymes, repetitive songs, clapping patterns, and sound games that help children distinguish different sounds. These experiences contribute to strong phonological awareness, which later supports reading and phonics.
Children are encouraged to join in, repeat refrains, complete missing words, and add their own ideas to songs and rhymes. This boosts confidence and strengthens memory, vocabulary, and articulation.
Inclusive Support for All Children
We are committed to supporting the communication needs of every child, including those who may require additional help. Our staff work closely with parents, speech and language therapists, and other professionals to provide consistent, nurturing support. This may include using Makaton signing, visual aids, picture exchange tools, or tailored speech activities.
We celebrate all forms of communication. Non-verbal communication, gestures, and early attempts at words are all valued and encouraged. Each child’s progress is monitored sensitively so that support is timely, appropriate, and unobtrusive.
Partnership With Parents
Parents and carers are a child’s first and most influential teachers. We actively involve families in their child’s language journey by sharing strategies, offering workshops, and providing ideas for supporting communication at home. This partnership ensures children experience consistent, positive interactions across all environments.
In Summary
Our Communication and Language provision is grounded in warmth, respect, and a belief in each child’s potential. Through a rich environment, skilled practitioners, and meaningful interactions, we help children develop the listening, understanding, and speaking skills they need to thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. Above all, we aim to foster joyful communicators who feel confident expressing who they are and connecting with the world around them.