The Hall Day Nursery in Sheffield has transformed the enabling environment of its baby room through the Every Child a Talker initiative (ECAT). Babies play in talk-friendly spaces, positioned opposite one another or near mirrors to encourage early communication. Practitioners extend babble to model speech. Clifton Children's Centre, Hull, has developed positive relationships through ECAT with their predominantly Polish parents. 'Stay and play' is flourishing now that activities reflect heritage and encourage parents to access multi-agency services. Evesham Nursery, Worcestershire, has introduced forest school for all as a part of their enabling environments. Boys who exhibit little language in nursery develop talk in the natural environment. A speech and language therapist works with children's centre staff using diagnostic data to help practitioners use strategies with children to move them on to the next language stage.

Video Series: EYFS Today
Release Date 2009