ICAN

I CAN Early Talk Boost

Early Talk Boost – Supporting Your Child’s Communication

At our nursery, we want every child to feel confident communicating, expressing their ideas, and building friendships. For some children, developing speech and language skills can take a little longer and they may benefit from additional focused support.

To help with this, we offer Early Talk Boost, a small‑group programme designed to support children aged 3–4 yearswith their speech, language and communication skills.

Early Talk Boost was developed by the children’s communication charity I CAN, now part of Speech and Language UK. Their mission is to ensure that every child develops the communication skills they need to learn, make friends, and thrive in school and beyond.

What is Early Talk Boost?

Early Talk Boost is a short‑term, targeted intervention that has been used widely across the UK in nurseries and early years settings. It is part of a nationally recognised, evidence‑based intervention group designed to support children with early communication needs.

It helps children who may find it difficult to:

• Express themselves clearly
• Understand spoken language
• Learn and use new words
• Join in conversations with others

The programme works to narrow the language gap between children with delayed language development and their peers, helping them participate confidently in nursery life.

National Evidence and Impact

Early Talk Boost is a research‑tested intervention with a strong evidence base. Independent evaluations and research studies have shown that:

• Children who participate often make significant progress in language skills, with many making up to six months’ progress in just nine weeks
• It supports improvements in vocabulary, sentence structure, listening skills, and confidence to communicate
• Progress made in Early Talk Boost can support school readiness, social interaction, and engagement in learning
• The programme is widely recognised as an effective early intervention for speech and language development

This evidence has contributed to Early Talk Boost being used in nurseries and early years settings across the UK as a trusted and well‑regarded support programme.

How the Programme Works

Children take part in small group sessions led by trained practitioners:

• Groups usually include 6–8 children
• Sessions take place three times per week
• Each session lasts around 15–20 minutes
• The programme runs for approximately 9 weeks

Sessions are designed to be fun, engaging, and play‑based, using activities such as:

• Storytelling
• Songs and rhymes
• Games
• Role play
• Conversation activities

These activities help children practice and develop communication skills naturally through play and interaction. 

Skills Children Will Develop

Early Talk Boost focuses on key communication skills children need for learning and social development:

Attention and Listening – helping children focus and listen during activities

Understanding Language – learning and understanding new vocabulary and concepts

Speaking and Building Sentences – supporting children to form words and phrases

Storytelling and Conversation – helping children engage confidently with others

Social Communication – developing skills such as taking turns, sharing ideas, and participating in group play

These skills support children to feel confident communicating, learning, and forming friendships.

Our Specially Trained Staff

Early Talk Boost is delivered by staff who have completed specific Early Talk Boost training, ensuring children receive high‑quality, evidence‑informed support.

Our trained practitioners include:

Shelina Begum
Deputy Manager & Lead for Teaching and Learning
Shelina has been trained in Early Talk Boost for over 10 years and has extensive experience supporting children’s communication development.

Ann O’Toole
Room Leader
Ann also has over 10 years of experience delivering Early Talk Boost, working closely with children to support their speech, language and communication skills.

Josephine Smith
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo)

Anca Marmeliuc
Nursery Practitioner

Josephine and Anca have recently completed their Early Talk Boost training. Together, the team works collaboratively to share knowledge, monitor progress, and ensure each child receives the best possible support.

How Parents Can Be Involved

We believe parents play an important role in supporting children’s communication.

If your child takes part in Early Talk Boost, we will:

• Share regular updates about their progress
• Provide storybooks and simple activities to try at home
• Offer helpful tips for supporting communication in everyday situations

Simple activities such as reading together, talking about daily experiences, and singing songs can make a big difference in developing children’s language skills.

Proven Results

Because Early Talk Boost has been used across many early years settings and evaluated independently, it is recognised as one of the most effective early interventions for speech and language support.

Participation in Early Talk Boost can support:

✔ Stronger language skills
✔ Increased confidence in speaking
✔ Better social interaction with peers
✔ Greater participation in group activities
✔ Improved readiness for school

Helpful Links for Parents

Here are trusted, parent‑focused websites you can use to learn more and find practical ideas to support language development at home:

🔗 Speech and Language UK – Communication Support for Families
Speech and Language

🔗 I CAN – Early Talk Boost and Communication Information
ICAN (search “Early Talk Boost”)

🔗 Talking Point – Early Years Speech & Language Resources
Talking Point

🔗 Early Years Communication Support – NHS/Local Authority Advice (if relevant)
NHS

These websites provide practical strategies, activity ideas, and guidance on speech and language development that can be used at home alongside the support received at nursery.