BETTER Start Bradford has launched a new project to improve speech, language and communication of young children.

I CAN Early Talk, which will be run by BHT Early Education and Training, will support nurseries, childminders and schools in the Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton areas.

The BHT Early Education and Learning team launched the project earlier this week and shared more about the I CAN courses.

Early Years Foundation Stage Progress statistics from 2017 show that 76.5 per cent of children in the Better Start Bradford wards achieved the expected level of development in communication and language, compared to 82 per cent nationally.

Amanda Hall, I CAN Training Coordinator at BHT Early Education and Training, said: “We will be working towards a consistent approach to the development of speech, language and communication for children under three in our area.

"We want early years’ workers and parents to understand how activities and play links to how babies and toddlers most effectively communicate and develop their speech and language.”

Michaela Howell, Director at Better Start Bradford added: “Communication and language is fundamental to our children’s development, it is essential for their social interaction, playing and learning. At Better Start Bradford we are working towards ensuring that all of our children aged under four are armed with the language and communication skills to start school with confidence and the eagerness to learn.”

Better Start Bradford is part of the National Lottery funded A Better Start programme set up by the Big Lottery Fund.