EYFS: Language of Learning – a handbook to provoke, provide and evaluate language development

Early language deficits affect too many pupils on entry to nursery, reception and school settings, negatively impacting not only children's engagement with curriculum content, but also their self-regulation and mental health. Drawing on Joan Tough's research and inspiration, Alex Bedford has reignited and reimagined her systematic language development framework, so that every child in an early years setting has the opportunity to build a love of language that radiates understanding, excellence, ambition and clarity.

Co-authored by Julie Sherrington, EYFS: Language of Learning explains the vital influence that physical development has on vocabulary development. The book offers practical guidance on what language development is, what to look for and how to provide support. Important cognitive and neuroscience research is clearly explained to help school settings embed the best of what we know about how children learn.

EYFS: Language of Learning gives teachers and practitioners a holistic, accessible and powerful toolkit. Alex and Julie's brilliant worked examples showcase how the language development framework can offer precision and progression within the learning conversation. The book directly complements the ShREC approach and provides clear guidance on how to develop conversations using evidence-informed frameworks.