Children and Family Health Devon expands Language Enrichment Groups to over 90 schools across Devon

Children and Family Health Devon (CFHD) is making a transformative impact across Devon by delivering language enrichment groups (LEGs) to children in Reception classes through to year six. The initiative, which was given to CFHD by East London NHS Foundation Trust to use, has already reached over 90 schools across the county, aims to provide young learners with the tools they need to develop critical communication skills.

The groups focus on enhancing children’s vocabulary, listening skills, sentence construction, and confidence in communication through screening assessments and resources. Designed for early learners, the initiative supports schools in addressing the growing need for speech and language development among young children.

Hannah Burton, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist at Children and Family Health Devon Said, “It has been fantastic to be part of supporting schools across the county. The schools have an initial introduction session and then they get sent everything they need to roll out the language enrichment groups (LEGs) in their schools. Therapists then offer follow ups throughout the school year via an online meeting. The LEGs are divided into six stages and each stage has a screening tool and all resources to be able to deliver 20 targeted language sessions in school.”

Sharon Martin, Principal Speech and Language Therapist and Professional and Clinical Lead for Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy at Children and Family Health Devon said, “We understand that early language skills are the building blocks for future learning and development. By partnering with schools across Devon, we’re not only helping children find their voice but also supporting educators with the resources and strategies they need to continue this vital work.”

The program’s success lies in its tailored approach, where trained speech and language professionals deliver evidence-based activities in small group settings. These sessions are designed to be engaging and inclusive, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their starting point.