Early learning

Home learning environment

Your child will learn so much from you in their first years, and beyond. Every day conversations, imaginative play, and reading together all help your child as they learn to talk. Check out our activities page to see what's happening near you.

Early Words Together

Join us for a six-week programme for parents, carers, and children aged 2–4. Delivered in small, friendly groups, the sessions give you ideas and confidence to create a language-rich home environment. You’ll explore songs, rhymes, and stories, and take home free resources to keep the learning going. View our calendar to find a session near you.

Your local library

Taking a trip to the library is a good way to entertain a toddler and encourage their love of reading. Look at our map of libraries, and borrow picture books, board books and story sacks, all for free. Visit their page to find out about events and activities for families at the library.

Speech and language

Tiny Happy People from BBC has lots of simple activities and play ideas to help you develop your child's language skills.

Words for Life from the National Literacy Trust has lots of activities you can view by theme or by age range. You can also sign up for their newsletter.

Speech and language therapy have lots of information and suggested activities on their website.

If you are worried about your child's language you can speak to your health visitor by calling 0191 282 3319, your childcare setting or school.