The Speaking and Listening Bridge

This project:

• Worked with some of the hardest to reach families in Hammersmith & Fulham and Ealing to introduce speaking and listening skills between parents and children
• Developed progression models, based on local circumstances from one to one intervention to learning in group situations
• Evaluated the effectiveness of the models, in terms of:
  o Improving speaking and listening skills between parents and children
  o Developing a positive approach to learning in the family
  o Improving children's communication skills

Through this work, NIACE supported the London Boroughs of Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham to develop and deliver innovative approaches to develop speaking and listening skills for children in families with complex needs. The project supported parents and developed the underpinning skills for children to thrive and achieve their full potential. Each authority took a different approach, based on local needs and existing services.

The work may be of interest to professionals and policymakers working with families and children.

This project finished in July 2013. A final evaluation report is available below, all evaluation tools can be found in the appendices. NIACE also developed a pack of resources for professionals working with families.

Documents
	Speaking and listening framework
	Importance of developing speaking and listening skills
	Pedagogical approach
	Developing family learning programmes
	ORIM activity
	Family discussion game
	Speaking and Listening Bridge: Evaluation report

The final evaluation report shows that working with parents and children together improves communication skills for both, and helps the whole family to engage with learning, thereby helping to reduce cycles of deprivation.

Emily Jones

emily.jones@niace.org.uk

NIACE
21 De Montfort Street
Leicester
LE1 7GE