Review of Practice in implementation of Early Language Development support element of Flying Start

Descriptions

The overall aim is to review current practice within Flying Start areas in relation to the Early Language Development entitlement of Flying Start. The report will be used, alongside the findings of the separate and simultaneous literature review, to inform the strategic direction of this entitlement, including future guidance documents and further policy developments.The specific objectives are to:•Review what is taking place within the current Early Language Development element in Flying Start as well as related activities within the other core entitlements•Identify any significant operational barriers and enabling factors for delivering Early Language Development support.•Describe current delivery practice within Flying Start areas, including scrutiny of:oAssessment and Identification tools, techniques and strategiesoReferral Plans and ProceduresoInformal Language and Play sessionsoFormal language development courses availableoProcesses utilised to gauge parental preferences for accessing the entitlement – eg: one–to-one sessions in the home; group sessions etc.oQuantitative evidence regarding the impact on the population being worked with (e.g. Schedule of Growing Skills (SoGS) trends; assessment improvements)oThe strategies adopted to most effectively deal with the demands of a multilingual populationoThe role of Speech & Language Therapists in the strategic approach to delivery of the Early Language Development entitlementoStrategies to increase parental engagement and understanding of the Early Language Development entitlement•Engage with Flying Start delivery partners to identify areas of perceived good practice and evidence of success as well as areas where additional support and guidance would be useful to local authorities.•Identify any significant variations in service provision between Flying Start areas, especially amongst the high need groups who may benefit most from the entitlement•Review the relationship between generic LAP/NAP grant programme and the Early Language development entitlement of Flying Start•Based on the findings, provide a list of recommendations to improve awareness, understanding and engagement with Early Language Development interventions in Flying Start areas