Every Child a Talker (ECaT)
In June 2009 Kim was invited to the launch of Every child a talker lead by Suffolk county council. Kim was put forward for this programme as she had already extensive knowledge in communication and language and was very passionate about helping children with their early communication.
In 2008 The Bercow report was published this identified a ‘gross inadequate recognition across society of the importance of communication development, let alone the active steps needed to facilitate it. It is a skill which has to be taught, honed and nurtured yet children’s ability to communicate to speak and to understand is taken for granted!!
'A trip to Gainsborough House in Sudbury'
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Language is not a skill a child has it is a learnt skill, the ability to communicate is an essential life skill for all children and young people and it underpins a child’s social, emotional and educational development.
From this report every child a talker was developed.
Acton playgroup was then chosen along with 24 settings throughout Suffolk to lead this programme, and what a fantastic opportunity this has been. Over the last two years we have been able to provide some amazing opportunities for our children and families.
'Puppet Day at Playschool'
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Every Child a Talker is designed to help create a developmentally appropriate, supportive and stimulating environment in which children can enjoy experimenting with and learning language. It can be implemented whether children are in Early Years settings, with a child minder or at home with their parents. Through every day, fun and interesting activities which reflect children's interests, ECAT will encourage early language development right from the outset, extending children's vocabulary and helping them build sentences so that before they start school, children are confident and skilled communicators.
'Trinity Park - Ipswich'
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Kim’s role has extended now to assisting local preschools, nurserys and childrens centres in helping them gain the ECAT standard.
'Tesco Shopping Lists.
We gave children a shopping list to see if they could find all of the items'
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'The Hungry Caterpillar - Haverhill Theatre'
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'Bug Day at Playschool'
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