Working with Pre-School Practitioners to Improve Interactions

Eight pre-schools took part in offsite and onsite speech and language training to improve their interaction skills with children and learn some group language activities. An evaluation was undertaken where practitioners at one pre-school were videoed running a language activity before and after training. The video was analysed to assess change in adult and child interaction. All practitioners who had undertaken the training were interviewed to find out about its impact in their setting. The research showed statistically significant improvements in the children's communication. Practitioners reported positive benefits to their own and children's skill development.