Pioneering speech and language programme shortlisted for two national awards

Thursday, 14 September 2023 15:50

By Alexander Chadwick @thisisyo1

A pioneering children’s speech and language programme in York has been shortlisted for two national awards.

City of York Council and York and Scarborough NHS Foundation Trust’s Early Talk for York programme is shortlisted in the ‘early years’ and ‘learning’ categories at this year’s Children and Young People Now Awards.

The programme was rolled out across the city last year following a successful pilot in the west of York and is already improving the communication and language outcomes for children aged 0 – 5 years.

Early Talk for York focusses on providing specific language support training for staff in schools and early years settings, assessing children to identify any speech or language problems and working closely with specialist speech and language therapists.

Early communication and language development has been shown to be particularly important in helping to tackle inequalities and through improving outcomes, the programme is helping to close the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers in York.

Councillor Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “By supporting children and their families early in childhood, we’re already seeing the impact of the programme in closing the attainment gap between disadvantaged children and their peers in York.

“Early Talk for York is also helping to reduce the pressure on more specialist speech and communication services by providing early intervention at a nursery or school level.

“It’s a great example of what we can achieve when partners across the city work together and I’m pleased that the hard work and dedication of all those involved in this ground-breaking programme has been recognised once again.”

The award winners will be announced in November.

For more information on the Early Talk for York programme visit www.york.gov.uk/EarlyTalkForYork

More from Community Information

Friday 29 November, 10am - see York Minster's Advent Wreath raised National Schools Singing Programme raises the Wreath at York Minster

As doors up and down the country are being decorated with Advent wreaths of holly and ivy to the sounds of Michael Bublé or Carols from Kings, York Minster's talented Flower Arrangers are preparing to do much the same, but both the wreath and the backing track need to be a little bigger to fill the Minster’s cavernous central crossing.
Blue Badge holders’ Christmas market access to city centre confirmed

Following the Council’s Executive decision to establish limited Blue Badge holders’ access into York city centre during this year’s Christmas market, it’s been confirmed that it can start from 5pm on Tuesday 26 November.
Private fostering? Get in touch

City of York Council and safeguarding partners across the city are reminding residents that they need to get in touch with the council if they are making arrangements for someone else to look after their child/children for longer than 28 days.
City of York council unveils key proposals in ‘Our Big Budget Conversation’ amidst unprecedented financial pressures

City of York Council is asking for the community’s continued engagement as it tackles one of the most challenging budgets in its history.
St Sampson’s Centre to serve as a 'Quiet Oasis' this Christmas

St Sampson's Centre will serve the community as a peaceful and welcoming retreat this Christmas for a serene moment amid the seasonal celebrations.