Early Years Oral Language

Oral Language; the key to children achieving their potential.

Nationally, rates of 5–6-year-olds with on-track oral language development are decreasing. When oral language is thriving, regardless of their circumstances children’s potential for educational achievement, wellbeing and economic and social equality is maximised. The Foundation is investing in initiatives to strengthen the early oral language development of Australia’s children.

National Commitment to Early Years Oral Language

The Foundation convened a group of early childhood experts from around Australia and developed a National Commitment to strengthen the early oral language development of Australia’s children in response to a decrease in the number of children on track when starting school. Organisations are encouraged to take up the charge to take action to develop, monitor and support children’s oral language, especially between 0-5 years of age. The Foundation is also partnering with Thriving Queensland Kids Partnership, Brisbane South Primary Health Network and others to implement a national response.

The No Limits Program run by the Mornington Peninsula Foundation (MPF) provided speech diagnostics and speech and language support to primary school children with low levels of oral language in the Mornington Peninsula. The success of the program was evidenced by a large increase in the number of children on track in their learning. Over time the program evolved, introducing the Science of Learning. Using evidence- based learning MPF continues to improve oral language and literacy skills and lift children’s capacity to maximise the lifetime benefits of education.