Walton Pre-School

Communication Friendly Setting

Walton Pre School are so proud to share with all our families and community sponsors that all staff have been recognised within the setting to be able to support children with Communication and Speech and Language difficulties. We have been awarded a National Accredited Elklan Communication Friendly Setting award.

Please read our feedback below from our audit undertaken last week:

Thank you for such a lovely visit today it was a pleasure to see how you have developed practice to become communication friendly and demonstrated the implementation of your training.

The setting is made-up of two classrooms and three large outdoor spaces which provide a range of resources is for children to explore and develop the understanding of words and concepts through multi-sensory experiences. There are a range of quiet spaces and areas within both the outdoors and indoor environments. It was particularly impressive to see that the setting has developed a communication hub to ensure that children who need additional support are able to do so with a low distraction space. It will be interesting to see how this develops and I’m sure will make a big impact to lots of children and their families.

Visual strategies were seen throughout the setting from lanyards on individual staff members and visuals also situated on doorways at children’s height. Resources were labelled with clear pictures and visual timetables and instructions were displayed throughout.

Early literacy skills are supported across the setting with a range of books, props and baskets. Early literacy skills are also encouraged with families with a range of initiatives such as lending libraries and story sacks to take home.

Vocabulary is planned within daily activities with vocabulary flowers used for adults to share target vocabulary at this time. Staff recall children’s vocabulary through a variety of methods, and these are displayed throughout the setting. It is also shared with families, so families are aware of what words children are learning and how they are progressing.

There is a dedicated wall for families in the entrance area with a range of Speech Language and Communication advice and support. The setting has a system in place to share and regularly update families with how children are progressing in all areas of learning including Speech Language and Communication. The key person works in partnership with the same cohort to identify any areas where children need additional support and families are made aware of how they can also do this at home too.

During the visits a range of staff interactions were observed in both rooms, and it was clear that staff are following the principles of positive Adult Child Interaction. All staff were following children’s lead, using Nouns, Verbs and Contents to reinforce words such as ‘rolling’ in the playdough area. Staff were observed modelling language and introducing new words. Staff repeated back what a child said and then added an additional word to extend sentences. Staff were observed pausing to allow children to continue the sentence and develop their expressive language. There are lots of multi-sensory opportunities and adults use this to demonstrate the words that they were modelling.

During our 25^th Birthday celebrations being held on the 6^th June 2025, Elklan will be joining us to present our certificate. We are all very excited!

Elklan Communication Friendly Settings

We are working towards becoming an Elkan’s Communication Friendly Setting and have provided 2 staff members to become lead practitioners within the Pre School. These lead practitioners will cascade the training within the setting and embed Communication Friendly practice. They are completing 10 online modules and gain further support through an Elkan Tutor and Webinar. On completion the Lead practitioners will gain a level 4 qualification and the setting gains Communication Friendly accreditation.

Understanding the Language Development Pyramid.

Language development is a journey and requires a strong foundation!

The Language Development Pyramid helps illustrate the stages that children typically go through as they develop their communication skills.

Attention & Listening – The base of the pyramid is all about focus. Before language can develop, children need to be able to pay attention and listen. This foundation helps them absorb the sounds, words, and meaning around them.

Play & Interaction – Next, through play and interaction, children learn to engage with others. Play isn’t just fun; it’s a crucial part of learning how to communicate!

Understanding – As they grow, children begin to understand language. This involves grasping the meanings of words and sentences, which is key before they start expressing themselves.

Expression – At this stage, children start to use words and sentences to express their thoughts and needs. From gestures to words, they are now communicating!

Speech – Finally, the top of the pyramid represents speech – the ability to form words and sentences clearly and correctly. It’s the culmination of all the skills built from the bottom up.

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and this pyramid helps guide us in understanding the journey. By recognising each step, we can better support their communication skills.