Elevate - EYLL Early Language Programme by Ivana Barron

Upcoming Events

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 08:16:55 UTC

About the Early Learning Programme

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 08:27:13 UTC

The Early Learning programme has been launched as part of the Best Start in Life initiative. Early Years Learning Leads (EYLL's) in Early Language, Maths and PSED will deliver a coherent programme of subject-specific support for Early Years settings and individual educators, designed to strengthen practice and improve outcomes.

The Early Language programme will provide high quality CPD and bespoke support to settings to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge needed so that every child can find their voice and thrive in life.

Ivana Barron

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 08:34:37 UTC

As a freelance Makaton tutor and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) trainer I have worked extensively in the Early Years sector across Suffolk and East Anglia in the last 3 years supporting a wide range of practitioners. Before this I worked for 17 years as an outreach support worker in Suffolk’s Early Years Inclusion team, and as a SEND trainer in their Workforce Development Team and Early Years and Childcare Service.

I am a trustee for the Bumblebee Children’s Charity, a specialist centre working with 0–5-year-olds with complex physical needs and lead on Safeguarding and policies within the charity. I have recently completed a Masters degree in Education with a SEND pathway. My passion is supporting children with their communication development and supporting their families and the practitioners who work with them.

I look forward to working with you and your setting to develop your communication and language knowledge and practice.

Why Early Language is so important

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 08:52:41 UTC

Children's language skills at 5 are the biggest predictor of attainment in later life and one of the strongest predictors of overall academic achievement. The right support in the early years can make a crucial difference to a child's future especially for those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, with special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND) or who are in care.

The Early Language programme will support early years partitioners to give children the best start to their communication and language development and ultimately help them achieve their full potential.

CPD training

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 08:55:15 UTC

The CPD training is open to Early Years practitioners who already hold a Level 3 Childcare qualification and who are working as a childminder, in a school nursery or PVI Early Years setting in Suffolk or Norfolk.

CPD training cohorts

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:02:43 UTC

Spring term 2027 cohorts ready for booking!

Booking link: Elevate Early Years Learning Leads Programme Application for Early Years Language CPD

Coming soon!

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:06:47 UTC

Another 8 CPD cohorts will run between January 2027 and March 2028. These will be offered on different weekdays, at different times of the day and with their final sessions taking place in different locations. Hopefully there will be something suitable for everyone. Look out for dates coming soon!

CPD Module content

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:19:04 UTC

This Early Language CPD will involve a total of 24.5 hours of learning. Each module is made up of 2 hours of e-learning self study, followed by a 90 minute facilitated webinar with your EYLL. Module content includes:

1. Welcome session.

2. Understanding typical language development.

3. Creating communication supportive environment.

4. Achieving high quality interactions.

5. Measuring progress, identifying needs.

6. How language supports behaviour and wellbeing.

7. Building partnerships with parents.

8. Embedding good communication and language in your setting.

Bespoke offer - Coming Soon!

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:25:44 UTC

Early Years settings can also apply for our bespoke offer, which can be up to 3 days of support per Early Years setting:

to develop bespoke action plans to address identified needs and strengthen practice.
to select, adapt and embed evidence-informed approaches and interventions.

The purpose of the bespoke support is to build the knowledge, confidence and capability of practitioners and leaders so that improvements can be sustained once the formal support has ended.

Eligibility criteria

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:33:05 UTC

Support is available to school nurseries, PVI settings and childminders. The Early years setting must be working with pre-reception aged children. Priority will be given to those settings with a high proportion of:

- Children eligible for early years pupil premium (EYPP).

- Children with SEND.

- Children with English as an additional language (EAL).

- Children who are or have been Children in Care or Children in Need.

The setting needs to commit leadership and practitioner time to engage meaningfully with support, which will include coaching, reflection and implementation of an action plan.

EYLL Early Maths

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:40:32 UTC

EYLL PSED

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:40:47 UTC

CPD training for Under 2's

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:47:24 UTC

Coming in Summer term 2027!

This CPD programme will consist of a total of 14 hours of training made up of e-learning and facilitated webinars.

Speech and Language UK

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 09:53:55 UTC

The CPD training for Early Language has been developed by Speech and Language UK charity as the partner organisation.

Eligibility criteria

ivanamakatontutor — 2026-10-09 10:21:54 UTC

Practitioners must be working in an Early Years setting with children under 2 years of age. To be eligible you must already hold a Level 2 qualification in childcare.

Early Years Stronger Practice Advisor Programme

dianearmstrong2 — 2026-10-14 14:33:22 UTC