Speech, Language and Communication workshop series
This six-part training series will explore practical, play-based and relationship-centred strategies to support children's communication, interaction and emotional regulation. Each session will combine discussion, real-world examples and hands-on approaches that can be applied immediately in early years and educational settings.
The sessions are designed primarily for Early Years practitioners, nursery staff, and school-based teams, but spaces may also be available for foster carers and other professionals supporting young children with speech, language and communication needs. Delegates are encouraged to attend all workshops that they feel are relevant to their practice and CPD needs. You do not need to be able to attend all six sessions in order to attend any one workshop.
All sessions will be at The Willow Centre, Cringleford, 13:30 - 15:00. Click on a link for more information and to reserve your place for the session.
- 14 January - Total communication: Using signs, symbols and objects to support language: An introduction to using multiple modes of communication to help all children understand and express themselves. This session explores practical ways to integrate signing, visual supports, and real objects to make communication more inclusive and accessible.
- 11 February - Supporting transitions in the day: Between environments, tasks and people: How to use language, visual cues and routines to help children manage transitions smoothly. Strategies will support emotional security and reduce anxiety around change across different parts of the day.
- 11 March - Co-regulation: To regulate and de-escalate: Learn how adults can support children to regulate emotions through responsive communication, modelling, and shared strategies that build trust and safety in moments of challenge.
- 15 April - Child-led Play: How to support their language development their way: An exploration of following the child's lead in play to promote natural communication, joint attention and language development. The session will provide ideas for tuning in, joining play, and creating opportunities for meaningful language exchanges and scaffolding.
- 20 May - Demand avoidance ... and how to avoid it: Explore why some children resist adult direction and how communication style, choice-making and environmental factors can reduce anxiety-driven avoidance, leading to more accessible engagement.
- 10 June - Speech Recasting: supporting children with speech sound difficulties: A practical look at how adults can respond to speech errors in supportive, natural ways that build confidence and model correct speech patterns without pressure or correction.
These sessions are fully funded by Norfolk Virtual School, and delivered by Communicate.
