Speech & Language Development
Setting Statement for Parents, Inspectors & Website
(Available Now with Professional Membership)
What this document is
This Speech & Language Development Setting Statement clearly sets out a setting’s vision, values and approach to communication and language in the Early Years.
It is designed to explain how speech, language and communication are supported through everyday interactions, play, routines and relationships, in line with the EYFS Statutory Framework and current best practice.
The document provides a shared, professional narrative that can be used confidently with parents, inspectors and wider stakeholders to demonstrate a thoughtful, inclusive and research-informed approach to early communication.
It is intended to support professional judgement, not replace statutory guidance.
Who this is for
EYFS leaders and managers
Early years practitioners across birth–5
Settings preparing information for parents and carers
Settings seeking clear, inspection-ready articulation of language practice
Childminders and small settings requiring a concise public statement
What this document helps you do
Clearly articulate your setting’s approach to speech and language development
Demonstrate a language-rich, play-based pedagogy aligned with the EYFS
Communicate your values and practice confidently to parents and inspectors
Show how inclusive practice supports all forms of communication
Evidence alignment with EYFS, Development Matters and Ofsted expectations
Support consistency in staff understanding and professional language
Reassure families through a warm, transparent and non-judgemental narrative
How this fits within our Birth–5 framework
This document forms part of our wider Birth–5 Curriculum & Pedagogy framework, supporting coherent, high-quality practice across communication, teaching and learning.
This document is part of our EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy Membership (Professional), which provides full access to age-specific curriculum frameworks, planning guidance, assessment tools and leadership support.
(Available Now with Professional Membership)
Related documents include:
Additional Whole-Setting Guidance | for Professional Members
Explore our whole-setting guidance below, including overarching curriculum and pedagogy documents, early years schemas and EYFS setting policies.
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Early Years Schemas - Practitioner Toolkit | EYFS Birth-5
↪ Schema Cards (definition, behaviours, age-related examples, enabling resources)
↪ Schema Observation & Responsive Provision Planning Template
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EYFS Group Setting Policies Pack
↪ x 22 Policy Documents
↪ Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document
↪ EYFS Setting Policy Folder Contents List
Childminder Setting Policies Pack
↪ x 22 Policy Documents
↪ Childminder Assistant or Volunteer Policy Sign-Off and Confirmation Document
↪ Childminder Policy Folder Contents List
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↪ Clear, practitioner-friendly explanations of key curriculum and pedagogy terms used throughout our guidance.
Age-Specific Guidance For Children Within Your Care
Select the ages relevant for the children you work with. You do not need to use everything. (Many practitioners use more than one pathway.)
What is Professional Membership?
Find our more about our Professional guidance for confident, reflective EYFS practice (Birth–5)
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Content within the EYFS Curriculum & Pedagogy Membership is provided as professional guidance and support. It reflects current understanding of the EYFS statutory framework, Development Matters and inspection expectations at the time of writing. Practitioners are responsible for applying professional judgement and ensuring practice aligns with current statutory requirements and their specific context.
Updated: January 2026