The home learning environment
Research shows that a child's home has a huge influence on their early learning and development. Find out what you can do to build a great home learning environment.
Why learning at home is important
Before they start at school, children learn and engage with the world at home. From birth to age 5, your child’s brain develops more than at any other time. It doubles in size during the first year.
Support in Southwark
Parents and carers in Southwark can access these free and low-cost opportunities to help you improve your home learning environment.
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Early Words Together (for ages 3 and 4)
This programme is delivered over 6 weeks in an early years setting. You’ll also visit community spaces like parks and libraries with your child and a trained practitioner.
How they can help
The programme will support you to:
- improve your home learning environment
- boost your confidence and understanding of your child’s language development
- help your child if their speech and language were held back by the COVID-19 pandemic
Parents who have used the programme said that:
- they are more confident sharing stories and songs with their child
- their child enjoys sharing books more, increasing their understanding of spoken language
Contact
You can access this programme at these Children and Family Centres:
It is also available at some Southwark day nurseries and nursery classes attached to schools.
Email childrenscentre@ivydale.southwark.sch.uk or call 0203 848 5780
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Making It REAL (for ages 2 to 4)
Making It REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) is an award-winning home learning programme. It is delivered in partnership with Home-Start Southwark.
How they can help
As part of this programme you will get:
- 4 home visits from trained practitioners
- guidance on using everyday activities to support early language and literacy
- opportunities to join in with special events in your community
Contact
Sign up online or call 020 7737 7720.
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Speech and language therapy (for ages 0 and up)
Evelina London provides speech and language therapy to children registered with a GP in Lambeth or Southwark. They also work in some schools.
How they can help
Evelina London provides:
- clinic appointments
- 'Chattertime' play sessions for under 5s with a speech and language therapist
- drop-in sessions if you're worried or have questions
- advice and support
Contact
Email gst-tr.evelinacommunityreferrals@nhs.net or call 020 3049 8181.
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Bookstart (ages 0 to 4)
Southwark's libraries and Children's Centres offer a range of free Bookstart sessions around the borough.
How they can help
Bookstart gives a free book pack to every baby born in England and Wales.
At Bookstart sessions you can take part in singing, educational play, and storytelling with your child.
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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (for ages 0 to 5)
All children in Southwark can join this free book gifting programme.
How they can help
Each month the Imagination Library post a high quality, age-appropriate book to children from birth to age five. The books are specially wrapped and addressed to the child. They are delivered at no cost to the family.
Contact
If you have any queries, email childrenscentre@ivydale.southwark.sch.uk.
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Childcare and early education entitlement (for ages 2 to 4)
Other play and learning settings can help your child socialise and develop their learning skills. If you have a child aged 2, 3 or 4 years old, you may be entitled to a free childcare place.
Find out about free early education entitlement in Southwark
Page last updated: 25 June 2024
