Language and communication are fundamental to a child’s development. As childminders, we have a unique opportunity to support children every day, helping them to express themselves, understand others, and build the foundations for learning and social interaction.
According to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), 2025 statutory framework, communication and language are prime areas of learning. This highlights their crucial role in children’s literacy, cognitive development, and emotional wellbeing.
In my practice, I ensure that language is embedded throughout every activity, indoors and outdoors, and that every interaction is meaningful, inclusive, and developmentally supportive. Following the principles in Birth to 5 Matters, I adopt a holistic approach, supporting all children while ensuring that bilingual children, children with additional needs, and families from diverse backgrounds are valued and included.
Differences in developing langage
Language development varies greatly between children. Some children may begin speaking later than others, some may communicate through gestures, sounds, or facial expressions before forming words, and some navigate multiple languages at home. As childminders, it is our responsibility to respond with patience, encouragement, and practical strategies that promote progress while respecting each child’s individual journey.
Language learning does not only happen during structured adult led activity or group activities; it happens naturally during everyday routines, play, outdoor exploration, mealtimes, and even while tidying up.
When outside, for instance, I narrate the environment and actions as they occur, describing crunchy leaves underfoot, the sounds of birds, or the way children climb and jump. By constantly modelling language in context, children are exposed to vocabulary, sentence structures, and expressive patterns in meaningful ways, which supports comprehension and encourages them to use words confidently.
Inclusive practice
Inclusive practice involves supporting bilingual children while valuing the diversity of every family. Bilingual children may mix languages or create hybrid words as they learn, which is a normal part of their language development.
In my own family, my son, now twelve, would say “bluenieski” at the age of three, combining blue in English with niebieski (blue) in Polish. This was his way of expressing the concept of color while using both languages he was acquiring. Rather than correcting him, we modelled the word in both languages, which encouraged him to continue experimenting with language and boosted his confidence.
In practice, supporting bilingual children can include using picture books and prompting the child to point at images, modelling the word in English while allowing the child to teach their home-language equivalent. We can play music or songs from different cultures using tools like Alexa, explore bilingual flashcards, and invite parents to share key words or teach simple songs. These strategies celebrate cultural identity, foster curiosity among peers, and strengthen the child’s language development.
Practical strategies To Support Language
Practical strategies for all children focus on modelling and interaction rather than correction. If a child says, “I goed to park,” it is more effective to respond, “Yes, you went to the park! What did you do there?” rather than saying, “No, that’s wrong.” This avoids shaming the child, reinforces the correct language, and maintains confidence. Celebrating even small milestones, such as a new word, a clear gesture, or a novel attempt at communication, is essential for building self-esteem and encouraging children to experiment further. Active engagement rather than waiting passively is key; children need encouragement, prompting, and consistent interaction to develop their communication skills.
Language development can also be supported through playful, practical activities that strengthen oral-motor skills. Blowing bubbles together, using straws to move lightweight objects, or making funny faces and sounds may seem like simple games, but they help children develop the mouth muscles, breath control, and coordination needed for clear speech.
Such games also provide rich opportunities for modelling language, introducing vocabulary, and fostering imaginative conversation. Storytelling and reading remain central to this process, as they expose children to new words, rhythms, and patterns of speech. It is important to let children participate actively, predict outcomes, and describe pictures or characters in their own words. Modelling the correct form of a word gently, rather than correcting mistakes, encourages learning while maintaining confidence.
Partnership working
Partnership with parents is a critical component of language development. Children thrive when strategies used in the setting are mirrored at home. Encouraging parents to narrate daily routines, read together, sing songs, and engage in play provides continuity and reinforcement. Parents can also support bilingual learning by sharing key words from their home language, teaching songs, or participating in activities. By working together, parents and childminders create a consistent, supportive environment in which children feel safe to experiment with language, take risks, and develop their skills.
Early identification of potential delays is equally important. Childminders are uniquely placed to notice subtle differences because of daily engagement with children. If a child appears to struggle with communication, it is crucial to discuss concerns with parents sensitively, implement strategies within the setting, and, with parental consent, contact the Early Years team or SENCO for advice. Referral to a Speech and Language Therapist may be needed in some cases. Acting early ensures children receive the support they need and prevents frustration, behavioural issues, or reduced confidence arising from difficulties expressing themselves.
Language is integral to all areas of learning and life. I embed language opportunities across the curriculum, narrating routines, supporting imaginative play, facilitating peer interaction, and taking learning outdoors.
Nature provides rich, real-world vocabulary, and children benefit from exploring and describing textures, movements, and sounds. Outdoor play, everyday conversations, storytelling, and songs all combine to create a holistic, engaging language curriculum. Positive body language, open communication, and modelling ensure children are confident and feel understood, while celebrating every attempt reinforces their sense of achievement.
Behaviour and Language Skills
It is important to recognise the link between language and behaviour. Children who struggle to communicate may display frustration or challenging behaviour. They are not “misbehaving ” but may feel distressed because they cannot express their needs, feelings, or desires. By responding with empathy, modelling language, and supporting expression, childminders help children reduce frustration, gain confidence, and improve behaviour. Children who can communicate effectively are more confident, socially engaged, and able to interact positively with their peers and adults.
Supporting children’s language and communication is one of the most rewarding aspects of childminding. By embedding language opportunities throughout the day, modelling words, celebrating milestones, and working in partnership with parents, childminders can foster confident communicators who feel valued, included, and understood. Inclusive strategies ensure that bilingual children and those from diverse backgrounds are supported, while early intervention guarantees that children who require additional help receive timely guidance. Communication is foundational to learning, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing, and by prioritising it, childminders provide children with the very best start in life.
Now, have a look at my video on the top of this page and see which strategies you can implament withing your childminding setting to help your children boost their language skills!