Home learning environment 0-5 year olds

What parents do at home with their children is more important than who they are.

Making it REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) is an award-winning programme that works with families to support children’s early literacy and development. Making it REAL helps to build parents’ knowledge and confidence so that they can help their children with reading and writing and create a positive early home learning environment. Making it REAL draws evidence from the original REAL project delivered by Professors Cathy Nutbrown and Peter Hannon at the University of Sheffield. REAL uses a framework called ‘ORIM’ (Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction and Model), which is based on the idea that there are four main ways in which parents can help their children’s literacy development.

Play, Learn, Grow is an 8-week coaching program designed to empower families with children aged 18 months – 5 years in  Oldham to support their child’s early learning and development. Homestart work alongside families, to promote speech and language development, and encourage learning through play.   When families are empowered to support early learning and skill-development at home, children are more likely to be ‘school-ready’ when they start school and able to thrive in education.

50 Things To Do is about giving all children the best start in life. It is based on the simple idea that quality time as a family away from screens enjoying the indoors and outdoors together. This is a great way to support children’s development. That’s why we’ve put together 50 fun, low or no-cost activities for you to explore and an enjoy at your own pace. Why not download the app where you can capture your memories with photos, print out certificates and find out about local events.

Words for Life has been developed National Literacy Trust. To support families with tips and ideas on how to boost children’s language, literacy and communication skills at home. Explore our quick and easy tips and activities to discover new ways you could boost your child’s literacy skills while having fun chatting, playing and reading together.

There are no wrong questions when it comes to your child’s development. Best Start in Life brings together trusted information and support from pregnancy through your child’s early years and beyond.

• Best Start in Life website