Create a home-learning environment to help your children

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.

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:

• Rye Oak
• Ivydale
• Ann Bernadt 
• Leyton Square 

It is also available at some Southwark day nurseries and nursery classes attached to schools.

You can also:

• email childrenscentre@ivydale.southwark.sch.uk
• call 0203 848 5780

Making It REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) is an award-winning home learning programme. It is delivered in partnership with Home-Start Southwark.

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

You can:

• sign up online
• call 020 7737 7720

Evelina London provides speech and language therapy to children registered with a GP in Lambeth or Southwark. They also work in some schools.

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

You can:

• make a referral online
• email gst-tr.evelinacommunityreferrals@nhs.net 
• call 020 3049 8181

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.

Find a Bookstart session near you

All children in Southwark can join this free book gifting programme.

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

You can:

• register online
• email childrenscentre@ivydale.southwark.sch.uk if you have any queries

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.