# data[].attributes.body
Communication is more than talking — it includes listening, understanding, playing, and interacting with others.

It helps children to:

Learn in all subjects

Build friendships

Express their thoughts and feelings

Develop confidence

Did you know? Strong communication skills are one of the biggest predictors of success in school.

# data[].attributes.body
Turn-taking games

Board games

Card games

“Your turn, my turn” activities

Story time

Ask: “What do you think will happen next?”

Talk about characters’ feelings

Role play

Shops, doctors, school

Conversation starters

“What was your favourite part of today?”

“Tell me something surprising!”

# data[].attributes.headline
What is speech, language and communication?

# data[].attributes.subject
What is speech, language and communication?

# data[].attributes.body
Speech = how we say sounds and words

Language = words and understanding

Communication = how we connect and interact

Children develop at different rates — this is normal 😊

You might notice:

Difficulty following instructions

Limited vocabulary

Frustration when trying to communicate

If you’re unsure, we’re here to help.

# data[].attributes.headline
Worried about your child’s communication?

# data[].attributes.subject
Worried about your child’s communication?

# data[].attributes.body
You are not alone — and support is here.

What to do:

1. Speak to your child’s teacher

2. We may:

Monitor progress

Provide strategies

Arrange additional support

3. If needed, we can help refer to specialists (e.g. Speech and Language Therapy)

Early support makes a big difference.

# data[].attributes.body
We support all children through:

Quality teaching

Vocabulary teaching (Word Aware)

Rich talk and discussion

Visual support

Visual timetables

Now/Next boards

Communication tools

Makaton signing

Visual prompts

Additional support

Small group work

Speech and Language interventions

We adapt our teaching so all children can succeed.

# data[].attributes.body
Click and explore:

🔗 BBC Tiny Happy People
🔗 Afasic Parent Support
🔗 NHS Speech & Language advice

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child's language skills. Explore our simple activities and play ideas and find out about babies and toddlers' amazing early development.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Children’s language development and parenting advice - BBC Tiny Happy People

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A chatty child is a happy child, so Tiny Happy People is here to help you develop your child’s communication skills through simple interaction and play.

# data[].attributes.body
Zones of Regulation: Emotions Board

We use this in school - feel free to download and use. If you need a copy but don't have a printer, then pop into the office and ask for it to be printed.

# data[].attributes.body
Routines and Visuals

Routines help children manage their emotions, feel secure and understand the world around them. Visuals can help to build up consistent routines.

Here's an example of some visuals you can use. If you need some more ideas, then chat to your child's teacher or a member of the Wellbeing Team.

# data[].attributes.body
Free online progress checker for parents

If you’re wondering how your child is developing with talking and understanding, this simple tool can help.

✅ What it does:

Asks a few quick questions based on your child’s age

Helps you understand your child’s communication development

Highlights strengths and areas that may need support

✅ What you get:

Instant feedback

Practical tips and ideas to try at home

Links to helpful resources and advice

✅ Who it’s for:

Parents and carers of children of all ages

Anyone who wants reassurance or guidance

This isn't a formal assessment, but it’s a great starting point if you have any concerns.

# data[].attributes.body
If you have questions or would like support:

We have a dedicated Speech, Language and Communication page on our website: Speech and Language - Bapchild and Tonge Church of England Primary School

You can also contact office@bapchild.kent.sch.uk or speak to your child's teacher or key person.

You can ask us about:

Your child’s communication

Strategies to try at home

Available support

👉 We’d also love to hear your ideas - what would you like to see here?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Speech and Language - Bapchild and Tonge Church of England Primary School

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Bapchild and Tonge Church of England Primary School

# data[].attributes.body
Here is information from the Kent Local Offer with advice and support available in our county.

# data[].attributes.body
Makaton is a way of supporting Makaton is a way of supporting communication using:

✅ Signs (hand movements)

✅ Symbols (pictures)

✅ Speech (talking at the same time)

It helps children understand and express themselves more easily.

# data[].attributes.body
We use Makaton to:

Support understanding of language

Help children communicate their needs

Reduce frustration

Build confidence

Make communication inclusive for everyone

Many children benefit — not just those with additional needs!

# data[].attributes.body
Your child may experience Makaton through:

Signs used during teaching

“Sign of the week”

Visual supports and symbols

Songs, stories, and routines

Adults modelling signs while talking

Some children may use Makaton all the time, others just when needed.

# data[].attributes.body
Some Makaton resources to help you!

Makaton Sign of the Week @Nikkimakatontutor

Some tips from CBeebies Mr Tumble and his spotty bag!

For all aged children, Singing Hands do a wide range of YouTube videos with lots of different songs!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learn a new word every week and be inspired to get signing. The sign for 1st - 7th June 2026 is Bicycle.

# data[].attributes.headline
Easy ways to support your child every day

# data[].attributes.subject
Easy ways to support your child every day

# data[].attributes.body
You don’t need special resources — small changes make a big difference!

Try this:

Talk about what you’re doing (e.g. cooking, shopping)

Give your child time to think and respond

Add one extra word to what your child says

Follow their interests and join in their play

Turn off distractions during conversations