Wellcomm

At Ellergreen Nursery School, we are dedicated to fostering the speech and language development of each child in our care. A crucial part of this commitment is our utilisation of the WellComm toolkit, which supports children’s communication skills from an early age. Below, we provide essential information regarding WellComm, its functioning, the assessment process, results, and the subsequent steps we take to ensure every child's needs are met.

What is WellComm?

• WellComm is a comprehensive speech and language toolkit designed for children aged 6 months to 6 years.
• It aids practitioners in assessing children's current speech and language levels.
• The toolkit offers an extensive range of activities tailored to support and enhance language development.

How Does It Work?

• Speech development parallels physical growth, progressing through sequential stages.
• Just as a child must first learn to sit, stand, and walk before running, they must also build a foundation in communication.
• For instance, if a child does not comprehend the words "ball," "box," or "in," they will encounter difficulty in performing the action of "putting the ball in the box."
• By identifying specific areas where a child may require additional support, practitioners can engage in targeted games and activities that foster the completion of particular ideas or concepts.
• Our overarching aim is to support all children to reach their full potential across various developmental areas. This prepares them adequately as they transition from Ellergreen Nursery School to reception, ensuring they are ready for the next educational phase.

The Assessment Process

• The WellComm assessment takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
• It primarily focuses on two key areas: the child’s understanding of language (receptive language) and their verbal communication skills (expressive language).
• Part of the assessment involves specific activities, while another component relies on everyday observations and discussions with you as parents.
• We conduct the assessment in a relaxed environment, allowing it to be paused at any time should the child lose interest or engagement.

Results From the Assessment

• Upon completion of the assessment, we will identify whether there are specific areas that require intervention to aid a child’s speech and language development.

• If interventions are deemed necessary, these will be sourced from "The Big Book of Ideas," which is an integral component of the WellComm toolkit.

• We encourage parents to participate in these activities at home, as consistency in approach is vital for reinforcing learning and progress.

• Our practitioners closely monitor each child’s development, adjusting activities as necessary to align with their evolving communication skills.

• If the assessment indicates that a child is meeting the expected benchmarks for speech and language development, we will continue to create engaging, high-quality learning opportunities that promote ongoing progress.

• In cases where the toolkit flags a potential concern regarding a child’s speech and language development, we adopt a proactive approach. Practitioners will closely work with you to facilitate referrals for additional support from Speech and Language Therapy (SALT).

• It is crucial to remember that identification of concerns permits us to implement early interventions, which significantly enhance a child's learning trajectory as they transition into reception. Our dedicated staff will maintain support through WellComm interventions, paired with the assistance from SALT, should it be required.

What Happens Next?

• Following the assessment, children's progress will be monitored on a continual basis, and support will be adjusted as required to meet their needs effectively.
• We strongly believe in the importance of collaboration with parents; thus, open communication regarding children’s progress at home is essential.
• To ensure we are on track, children are routinely re-assessed every three months as part of the WellComm cycle.

As a parent, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the WellComm assessment, its outcomes, or how we support your child’s language development, we encourage you to approach a member of our staff. We are always available and eager to assist in any way possible, as we work together to nurture and support your child's communication skills at Ellergreen Nursery School. Our collective goal is to ensure each child thrives and is well-prepared for their future educational journey. Thank you for your continued partnership in this vital area of your child's development.

Please find below, activities and resources to help with each section.