Early Outcomes Fund
Introduction to the Early Outcomes Fund Project.
The Early Outcomes Fund Project (EOF) aims to develop a range of strategies and initiatives that will improve children’s speech, language and communication in the early years. On this page we will provide information on courses and what EOF is about can do for your setting and practitioners working with children and families.
What has happened so far?
Funded 4 Session Early Communication Training
This training course provides models to understand speech, language and communication needs as well as practical ideas to use in early years settings.
- 391 Practitioners have attended this two-day training event delivered by Speech and Language Therapists
- 100% of delegates have stated they have an increased understanding of practical strategies that can be used in the workplace and increased confidence in talking to parents about early communication.
Funded Early Years Level 3 SENCO
This award is an accredited training programme for SENCO’s in early years settings. This innovative and exciting programme has been developed by School Improvement Liverpool and Nasen (National Association for Special Educational Needs).
- 89 Practitioners have gained a Level 3 Accredited SENCo Training.
- 100% of delegates have stated that their knowledge and confidence in carrying out the role of Early Years SENCo.
Staffordshire Hungry Little Minds Campaign
In order to support parents, The Early Outcomes Fund Project has funded a localised campaign linked with the national Hungry Little Minds and the BBC’s Tiny Happy People campaigns.
Families can sign up to personalised emails providing information on practical strategies to promote early communication, speech and language, child development and early years services.
Find out more information about how to sign up for this campaign for parents
Ideas for play
Would you like ideas of how to use everyday opportunities, like playing make-believe games to improve your baby’s early literacy and language skills in the years before they start school.
Available training and courses
Funded Early Communication Training
All sessions are funded by Staffordshire County Council and run by Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust. Sessions will be virtual via Microsoft Teams and practitioners will need to attend all four sessions.
- This training is for practitioners working in group based early years settings offering funded childcare places. One practitioner per setting can book on.
- Each session will be led by a Speech and Language Therapist. Practitioners will also receive a free early communication screening tool. Arrangements will be made directly with settings to arrange a mutually convenient time to collect from Staffordshire Place 1 in Stafford.
Interested in training?
Please email the Early Education and Childcare Team to express an interest in receiving notifications of future training dates.
Funded Early Years SENCO Award
This award is an accredited training programme and is fully funded by the Department for Education and will be provided online.
The Level 3 Early Years SENCO qualification is for a level 3 practitioner in a private, voluntary or independent setting. It is also appropriate for Ofsted-registered childminders and Ofsted-registered childminder agencies. This is an important role to ensure the best possible educational outcomes are achieved for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Further details, registration and application to the course can be found at: Early Years SENCO Level 3 - Best Practice Network
Do you work with young children aged 0-5 and their families?
Did you know that around 10% children nationally will have a long term speech or language difficulty?
Staffordshire County Council are continuing to work with Janet Cooper and the team of Speech and Language Therapists working for the NHS, Midlands Partnership Foundation Trust, Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy Service
If you want to understand and find out more about how you can more effectively support children’s early communication, speech and language this FREE webinar will be of interest to you.
Janet is an experienced clinical lead in speech and language therapy and is one of the team of experts involved in the BBC, Tiny Happy People campaign. She also leads the nationally recognised Stoke Speaks Out Programme. During this webinar Janet will help you to:
- Understand the elements that build communication skills
- Know what everyday advice to give to parents to support early communication
- When and where to seek help
- Share resources and activities to use with children and families
Access the FREE webinar
Video: Supporting children’s speech, language & communication development: A guide for the wider workforce
Speech and Language Journey
Visit the Staffordshire Communication, Speech and Language Journey website to find information on:
- Advice and tips for parents and practitioners of 0-4 year olds
- Information about typical speech and language development
- Find out about available help and support
Our training partners and your privacy
Training is commissioned through the Early Outcomes Fund project via our partners. Find out more about them and the information we share
For any further information about the Early Outcomes Fund project or events contact the Early Education & Childcare Development Officer: Amanda Richards