Foundation Strategies for Early Years Communication and Language

This resource from the Education Endowment Foundation highlights the vital role of language and communication development during a child’s earliest years. Research indicates that children benefit most when educators combine diverse strategies, such as interactive reading, collaborative dialogue, and the explicit modelling of vocabulary. While all pupils gain from these techniques, they are particularly impactful for those from disadvantaged backgrounds who may require additional support to bridge developmental gaps. The text emphasises that the quality of adult interaction is more important than the activity itself, as intentional engagement fosters both cognitive and social skills. For children facing significant hurdles, the guide advises early years practitioners to integrate these evidence-based approaches with specialist advice from speech and language therapists. Ultimately, utilizing a multifaceted toolkit ensures that young learners develop the necessary expressive and receptive skills for future academic success.