Talking Together in Cambridgeshire

What is Talking Together in Cambridgeshire?

Supporting early communication, language and literacy development

Talking Together in Cambridgeshire is a community-focused initiative dedicated to improving outcomes for children from birth to five years of age. Established by the Cambridgeshire Early Years, Childcare and School Readiness Service in 2018, we work alongside families, services and organisations to support young children's communication, language and literacy development.

In some areas of Cambridgeshire, children do not achieve the same educational outcomes as their peers elsewhere in the county. One contributing factor is that some children start school without the communication, language and literacy skills expected for their age. These early foundations are crucial for future learning, wellbeing and achievement.

We believe that "it takes a village to raise a child." By working together, families, professionals, community groups and local organisations can help create the conditions in which children thrive. Everyone has a role to play in supporting children's early development and helping them build the skills they need for life.

We aim to:

• Increase awareness of how communication, language and literacy develop in the early years.
• Improve understanding of the important role adults play in supporting children's learning and development.
• Empower families with practical strategies to support communication and language in everyday interactions.
• Work collaboratively with early years settings, schools, health services, and community organisations to create language-rich environments.
• Encourage communities to take an active role in supporting children's communication, language and literacy development.
• Reduce inequalities by improving outcomes for children who may be at greater risk of starting school without the expected communication, language and literacy skills.
• Promote a shared responsibility for supporting children's early development across Cambridgeshire.

How is Talking Together in Cambridgeshire taking place across the county?

Our approach

Talking Together in Cambridgeshire works across the county to strengthen children's communication, language and literacy development through collaboration with families, communities and partner organisations.

We work alongside a wide range of partners, including libraries, family hubs, early years settings, schools, health services, voluntary organisations and local community groups, to deliver engaging family learning opportunities that support children's early development.

Our approach includes:

• Delivering family activity sessions within local communities that promote communication, language and literacy through everyday interactions and play.
• Working with community groups and partner organisations to create opportunities for families to learn about and support their child's development.
• Building the confidence, knowledge and skills of adults who work with children and families through training, resources and professional development opportunities.
• Supporting practitioners and community-based professionals to strengthen communication and language practice within their own settings and services.
• Responding to local needs and priorities by working collaboratively with communities to develop relevant and accessible support.
• Developing sustainable partnerships that help create language-rich environments where children can thrive.

We are committed to working with communities across Cambridgeshire and are always keen to develop new partnerships. If you are interested in collaborating, please see further information on our Community Outreach Service webpage.

Where can I join Talking Together in Cambridgeshire sessions and get involved as a parent or carer?

• Parent resources: Explore our curated materials, including those from our Festival of Stories, to support storytelling and language-rich experiences.
• 50 Things to Do | Local Events: For more information about events happening near you.
• Facebook:  Follow our page for tips, resources, and fun activities designed to support children from birth to age five in developing communication, language, and literacy skills.

I am a family-facing practitioner in Cambridgeshire. How can I become trained and involved in Talking Together in Cambridgeshire?

As part of the Community Outreach Service, we offer a range of professional development courses focused on communication, language, and literacy.

Upcoming courses

Full details of our training offer can be found in the Communication, language, and literacy section of the professional development programme. Please note that a funded course place is available for each organisation working with us through our Community Outreach Service.

• Practitioner resources: Explore our curated materials, including those from our Festival of Stories, to support storytelling and language-rich experiences.
• Our newsletter for those working with families of children from birth to five is published every four to six weeks. To join our mailing list, please email Helen.Wootton@cambridgeshire.gov.uk.
• Facebook:  Follow our page for tips, resources, and fun activities designed to support children from birth to age five in developing communication, language, and literacy skills.

Ideas for practice