Communication and Language Network – November 2026 (Making Storytimes Powerful)

Stronger Practice Hub Event

The Communication and Language Network is an informal online networking session designed for early years practitioners to come together, share experiences, and explore key topics related to communication and language in early years settings. Each session will look at a different aspect of practice, providing a space for discussion, reflection, and peer support. More information will follow about the focus of each session, depending on sector needs and interests. These will be run by our new Language leads, and we might even bring along a guest or two!

This engaging session, led by Becky Barnard, alongside Liberty and Anna (our Language Learning Leads), explores how high-quality storytimes can support children’s communication and language development, wellbeing, relationships, and lifelong reading habits. Grounded in research on early brain development, reading for pleasure, and interactive shared reading, the session considers why story experiences matter and the significant role adults play in fostering a love of books from the earliest years.

Participants will reflect on what makes a quality text, examine EEF evidence-informed approaches to interactive storytelling, and consider practical ways to create joyful, responsive, and language-rich story experiences. Through discussion, reflection and shared examples, practitioners will develop strategies to make every storytime more meaningful, engaging and impactful for the children and families they work with

This training is for early years practitioners and leaders working in settings or childminders in our Stronger Practice Hub area (Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Somerset, North Somerset, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire). We will also prioritise settings and childminders in areas of deprivation.