Support Children’s Speech, Language and Communication

Unit summary

The unit aims to provide a basis for understanding the importance of speech, language and communication for a child’s overall development and explores the ways in which those working with children can support the development of speech, language and communication skills.

Learning outcomes Assessment

1 Understand the importance of speech, language and communication for children’s overall development

1.1 Explain each of the terms:

- speech

- language

- communication

- speech, language and communication needs

1.2 Explain how speech, language and communication skills support each of the following areas in children’s development:

- learning

- emotional

- behaviour

- social

1.3 Describe the potential impact of speech, language and communication difficulties on the overall development of a child, both currently and in the longer term

2 Understand the importance and the benefits of adults supporting the speech, language and communication development of the children in own setting

2.1 Explain the ways in which adults can effectively support and extend the speech, language and communication development of children during the early years

2.2 Explain the relevant positive effects of adult support for the children and their carers

2.3 Explain how levels of speech and language development vary between children entering early years provision and need to be taken into account during settling in and
planning

3 Be able to provide support for the speech, language and communication development of the children in own setting

3.1 Demonstrate methods of providing support taking into account the:

- age

- specific needs

- abilities

- home language where this is different to that of setting

- interests of the children in own setting

3.2 Demonstrate how day-to-day activities within the setting can be used to encourage speech, language and communication development in young children

3.3 Demonstrate in own practice how to work with children to develop speech, language and communication in:

- 1:1 basis

- groups

3.4 Evaluate the effectiveness of speech, language and communication support for children in own setting

4 Be able to contribute to maintaining a positive environment that supports speech, language and communication

4.1 Explain the importance of the environment in supporting speech, language and communication development

4.2 Review evidence about the key factors that provide a supportive speech, language and communication environment

4.3 Demonstrate how settings use the environment to provide effective support for speech, language and communication for all children