Supporting Communication and Language in Sandwell (Professionals)
Sandwell Keeps Talking is Sandwell’s initiative to promote Early Language and Communication Skills. There is lots you can do to help support the children you work with to develop their language and communication skills.
Direct your parents to the Sandwell Keeps Talking Families page for advice and support.
Sandwell Keeps Talking is a multi-professional approach.
Use this professional page for advice, useful information and to further enhance your practice.
A Good Practice Guide for Early Years Practitioners
Sandwell's Talking Tips
Wellcomm Guidelines
Wellcomm Guidelines WellComm Screening Guidelines January 2024
The primary aim of WellComm is to identify children with areas of concern in Speech,
Language, Communication and Interaction development
Wellcomm Screen Assessment Sheets
Wellcomm Language Targets
Download Tool Wellcomm Language Targets
A supplementary tool created to help support you to carry out WellComm interventions in your setting. This will help you to understand the concept you are supporting the child to achieve.
WellComm Medium term Planning
Big Book of Ideas
Observe, Wait, Listen, Scaffold (OWLS)
Download Tool Observe, Wait, Listen, Scaffold
Use this tool to support your interactions by thinking about how you come an active partner in their learning. This will help you think about the level of support you are going to give the child.
Adult Child Interaction Checklist
A checklist to support your interactions with children. Use this to support peer-on-peer reviews and facilitate discussion
English as an Additional Language Development EAL
Dudley’s Early Years ‘My Language Journey’ is a framework to support your understanding of what an EAL child’s journeys look like.
Use this checklist if you are unsure whether a child is presenting with a pure EAL profile or has difficulties with their language development.
Guidance Pathway for concerns about Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) development of children learning English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Communication Friendly Environment
Use this RAG rating tool to develop a communication friendly environment that supports children to become confident and skilled communicators.
SLCN Pathway Review Checklist
Use this RAG rating checklist to review your practice in Speech, Language and Communication across your whole setting.
Child Development Birth-48 months
Useful Resources
Libraries from home online rhyme time and story time from libraries across the Country.
Words for Life National Literacy resources and activities
Bilingual Quick Tips quick tips, in 19 different languages, for parents and early years practitioners to help children develop good talking and listening skills.
Bookstart Bookstart gives free books to every child in England and Wales at two key stages before school, as well as free packs for children with additional needs, tips and guidance on reading together, resources and activities, and much more.
Tiny Happy People Activities for babies and toddlers to develop communication skills
I CAN information and resources for parents and practitioners including Talking Point
Training and Courses
Book on to Early Years training courses for practitioners and professionals