Free speech and language support for Reception classes

If you have children in Reception who are struggling with speech and language, there's a free programme that could make a real difference.

The Nuffield Early Learning Intervention (NELI) runs over 20 weeks, using targeted small group and individual sessions to build children's vocabulary, listening and storytelling skills. The results are impressive: on average, children make four months' additional progress in oral language skills. For pupils eligible for free school meals, that figure rises to seven months.

The good news is that funding has been confirmed until the 2028/29 academic year (subject to further spending rounds), giving you the confidence to plan ahead and embed NELI into your longer-term school improvement plans.