Media centre
Conference on Early Communication Issues
26 Jun 2008
Specialist practitioners and academics will provide a unique insight into early communication issues from a young child’s perspective at the forthcoming Talk To Your Baby (TTYB) conference. TTYB is an early years language campaign run by the National Literacy Trust.
Communication: the child’s perspective will feature the University of Dundee psychologist, Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, who will present new research looking at the impact of buggies that face towards or away from the adult.
John Bercow MP will provide an update on the Bercow Review of Services for Children and Young People (0-19) with Speech, Language and Communication Needs.
Other speakers include educational consultant Elizabeth Jarman, who will talk about the importance of communication friendly spaces™, and project manager of the Young Children’s Voices Network at the National Children’s Bureau, Lucy Williams, who will discuss recent work on the value of listening to young children.
Practical and innovative local work will also be showcased including work in children’s centres in Plymouth and strategic planning in Leicester.
Liz Attenborough, manager, Talk To Your Baby said:
Everyday interactions and the environment have a huge impact on a child’s language development.
This year’s conference will bring together a range of experts to help delegates focus on different types of communication skills, as well as the child’s needs and surroundings.”
The conference takes place at Savoy Place in London on Thursday 2 October 2008. It is designed for anyone working with families with young children.
There is an early booking price of £185 for those booking before 15 August 2008 after which the conference costs £210 per delegate. Discounts are available for multiple bookings from the same organisation.
Communication: the child’s perspective is supported by the BT Better World Campaign and Nursery World is the media partner.
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For more information, images or logos, please contact Fiona Lewis on 020 7820 6253 or email fiona.lewis@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
1. Talk To Your Baby
Talk To Your Baby is a campaign run by the National Literacy Trust to encourage parents and carers to talk more to children from birth to three. For more information visit www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk
2. Background to Talk To Your Baby
There is growing concern that increasing numbers of children are suffering from communication difficulties, and teachers and nursery workers feel young children’s speaking and listening skills are on the decline. One of the contributing factors is believed to be the lack of time adults and young children spend talking together. In a survey of heads of nurseries and schools admitting three-year-olds, 75% said they are concerned about a significant decline in children’s language competence at entry (National Literacy Trust/National Association of Head Teachers survey, 2001). Among nursery workers, 89% are worried that the occurrence of speech, language and communication difficulties amongst pre-school children is growing. The lack of adult and child time spent talking together was highlighted as the key reason by 92% of them (ICAN, 2004).
3. National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. The National Literacy Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486, Registered office: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL
4. The 2008 National Year of Reading
The 2008 National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It will help to build a greater national passion for reading – for children, families and adult learners alike. The Year will encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries. The 2008 National Year of Reading is being managed by the National Literacy Trust and lead partner The Reading Agency. www.yearofreading.org.uk
