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.

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

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

• ✅ Signs (hand movements)

• ✅ Symbols (pictures)

• ✅ Speech (talking at the same time)

It helps children understand and express themselves more easily.

• 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!

• 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.

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!