The early years are a critical period for speech and language development. While nurseries provide rich language environments, parents play an equally important role in supporting your child's communication skills at home.

Developmental Milestones

Every child develops at their own pace, but typical milestones include:

• 12-18 months: First words, pointing, understanding simple instructions
• 18-24 months: 50+ words, simple two-word phrases
• 2-3 years: Short sentences, asking questions, vocabulary expanding rapidly
• 3-4 years: Complex sentences, telling stories, most sounds clear

If you have concerns about your child's development, speak to your health visitor or nursery staff.

Creating a Language-Rich Environment

Children learn language by hearing it used naturally. Talk to your child throughout the day:

• Narrate what you're doing: "Now we're putting on your shoes"
• Ask open-ended questions: "What did you do at nursery today?"
• Expand their words: If they say "dog," say "Yes, that's a big brown dog"
• Sing songs and nursery rhymes
• Read books together daily

Reading Together

Reading is one of the most powerful ways to support language development. It introduces new vocabulary, teaches listening skills, and creates bonding time. Choose books with:

• Repetitive text
• Bright pictures
• Age-appropriate length
• Stories about familiar experiences

Let your child choose books and point to pictures. Don't worry about reading every word—talking about the pictures matters too.

Play and Language

Play naturally develops language. Toys like play kitchens, dolls, and cars encourage pretend play and conversation. Play alongside your child, narrating what's happening and introducing new words.

Limiting Screen Time

While some educational programmes can be helpful, screen time shouldn't replace interaction. Children learn language best through real conversations with people they know. Limit screens and prioritise face-to-face interaction.

When to Seek Support

Consult your health visitor or GP if your child:

• Isn't using any words by age two
• Has difficulty understanding simple instructions
• Shows little interest in communication
• Has significant speech that's hard to understand after age three

Early support makes a real difference. Speech and language therapists can provide strategies to help.

Working with Your Nursery

Ask staff what language goals they're working on and how you can support at home. Consistency between nursery and home accelerates development.

Remember, every child develops differently. Your warm, responsive interaction is the greatest gift you can give your child's language development.