Exciting opportunity for early years settings (state and PVI) in London regions (Camden, Barking & Dagenham, Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Brent and Harrow) to take part in the Talking Time© oral language programme. Talking Time© is an evidenced-based manualised but adaptive oral language programme for children aged 3-5. It includes the Talking Time© intervention alongside professional development.
What is Talking Time©?
Talking Time© is a universal oral language programme for preschool children aged 3 to 5. It supports early years practitioners through professional development to deliver engaging, structured small-group activities, and to enhance children’s oral language through high-quality interactions and conversations. The manualised, evidenced-based programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable to suit individual children, settings and contexts. It has already been shown to support children’s oral language and staff practice in other trials.
Early Years practitioners receive:
- Live online twilight training (x3)
- Tailored coaching sessions [in-class (x4) and virtual (x3)] – all from an expert mentor
- 5 story books
- Talking Time manual including:
- Core principles of language-supporting practice
- Flexible session plans and conversation prompts for all sessions
- Ideas for reinforcement activities
- Reflective framework to support analysis of practice
Is my setting eligible?
Eligible settings are nursery schools, schools with nursery classes and group-based private, voluntary and independent nursery settings:
- within some local authority areas of A Brighter Start Early Years Stronger Practice Hub
- with 10 or more children (age3-4) attending for at least 15 hours of provision per week
Participation in the intervention involves:
- Assignment of one class or room and two EY practitioners to the programme (you are also free to deliver the programme in other classes/rooms)
- Delivery of sessions twice a week, for 15minutes each, for up to 20-weeks
- Commitment to the full range of PD components
In 2024/25, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) will be conducting a study to evaluate the impact of Talking Time© on child language skills and staff practice, with support from the EEF and the Stronger Practice Hubs. To help us prepare for this, settings that sign up to receive the programme from Spring 2024 will also be invited to take part in some light-touch research activities. This will be optional but will greatly help the Talking Time© team and NIESR to refine their processes and make sure everything is in place for the full evaluation.
Find out more about this programme by watching this video from the Talking Time team.
If you are interested in taking part, or have further questions, please in the Google Form