UWTSD strengthens early years language practice through professional learning

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David’s (UWTSD) Early Years team has recently delivered professional development training in early years and language development to education practitioners across Pembrokeshire Local Authority.

High-quality professional learning plays an important role in supporting effective teaching and improving outcomes for children. Language and literacy development, in particular, are central to children’s educational progress. Creating language-rich environments that support play, storytelling and meaningful interaction is widely recognised as good practice, although these areas can be challenging to prioritise within the demands of the school day.

The training, delivered by Alison Rees Edwards and Natasha Young from UWTSD, supported practitioners working in early years, primary and family support settings. The sessions drew on current research, theory and practical classroom experience, with a strong emphasis on play, story and providing opportunities for children to talk, interact and engage.

Participants were encouraged to consider learning from the child’s perspective and to reflect on how classroom environments and adult interactions can support language development. Practical activities and examples were used throughout the sessions to demonstrate approaches that are both effective and manageable within everyday practice.

Alison Rees Edwards said:

“I was genuinely delighted to be invited to share our knowledge and passion for language development with such a diverse group of practitioners—from teachers and teaching assistants to Flying Start teams across Pembrokeshire. Supporting children with language delay is an increasingly important part of their work, and it was encouraging to see how committed practitioners are to deepening their understanding in this area.

“Most of the attendees voiced real concerns about children’s growing access to mobile phones and other digital devices, and how this can negatively affect early communication. These discussions reminded us why it is so important to prepare practitioners to create rich, responsive, language‑nurturing environments.

“I thoroughly enjoyed discussing the normative stages of language development and highlighting the language theorists whose insights continue to shape effective practice today. It was a privilege to be part of such meaningful professional dialogue, and I look forward to working alongside these committed colleagues and practitioners in the future.”

Natasha Young added:

“The Language and Pre-Reading Skills workshop was very well attended and the level of engagement throughout the session was encouraging. It was good to share practical ideas and strategies with practitioners who are clearly committed to supporting children and families with language development. The energy in the room made it a genuinely inspiring session.”

Feedback from participants highlighted the value of the balance between theory, research and practical activities, as well as the focus on storytelling:

For many participants, it was an opportunity to network, share experiences from their own practice and to develop their own learning and practical activities linked to developing children’s language, with one headteacher describing the training as ‘first class.’

The feedback reflects the importance of professional training that is based in the reality of the classroom and offers ideas and practical examples informed by the latest research.  The sessions were interactive and participatory, reflecting the expectations set out in the Curriculum for Wales and CFFNMS.

The Curriculum for Wales (2022) states that learners should be given opportunities to use language to interact, explore ideas, express understanding and build relationships. The training provided practical examples of how these opportunities can be supported effectively in everyday practice.

For further information about UWTSD courses or professional development opportunities, please contact info@uwtsd.ac.uk.

Further Information

Lowri Thomas

Principal Communications and PR Officer     
Corporate Communications and PR     
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk     
Phone: 07449 998476