Communication Friendly Setting

We are a Communication Friendly Setting.

We are a Communication Friendly Setting, placing spoken language at the heart of our curriculum. Our environments, routines and adult interactions are carefully designed to encourage conversation, build vocabulary and develop children’s confidence as communicators.

Oakengates Nursery School is an accredited Communication Friendly Setting, acknowledged through our award with ELKLAN.

This accreditation recognises our strong commitment to supporting the speech, language and communication needs of all children. It means that:

• children’s communication needs are at the forefront of everything we do

• our nursery environment is thoughtfully adapted to support understanding and interaction

• staff are skilled in adapting their own communication to meet each child’s individual needs

ELKLAN Communication Friendly Setting accreditation is awarded to settings that have trained and supported all staff in communication and language development, and can demonstrate how this learning is embedded in daily practice. This includes evidence of:

• consistent, high-quality adult interaction

• targeted support and interventions where needed

• a clear Communication Policy

• a whole-setting approach to developing language and communication

As a result, children benefit from a language-rich environment where adults model vocabulary, extend children’s thinking and create meaningful opportunities for talk throughout the day. This ensures every child is supported to develop strong communication skills, confidence and positive relationships.