NELI Preschool

At Abercromby Nursery School, we are committed to giving every child the very best start in their learning journey. This academic year, we are delighted to introduce NELI Preschool (Nuffield Early Language Intervention) within our Oak Tree Class. NELI Preschool is an evidence-based programme designed to support and strengthen young children’s communication and language skills through high-quality interactions, storytelling, vocabulary development and purposeful play.

Communication and language development are at the heart of early learning. Children who have strong speaking and listening skills are better equipped to express their ideas, build friendships, understand new concepts and develop confidence as learners. Research shows that early language skills are closely linked to later success in reading, writing and overall academic achievement. NELI Preschool has been specifically developed to help children aged 3 to 4 develop a rich vocabulary, improve their understanding of language and become confident communicators.

The programme is centred around carefully chosen storybooks and engaging play-based activities. All children benefit from daily whole-group language enrichment sessions, while children identified as needing additional support receive targeted small-group activities designed to boost their language development further. Through stories, conversations, games and guided play, children are encouraged to listen carefully, learn new words and develop their ability to communicate effectively.

Our decision to introduce NELI Preschool reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality early language support. We know that children’s communication and language skills have a significant impact on their future learning, wellbeing and life opportunities. By implementing this programme in Oak Tree Class, we aim to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop the language foundations they need to thrive both now and as they move on to primary school.

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The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) recently evaluated NELI Preschool and found that children who participated made an average of two additional months’ progress in oral language skills compared with children who did not take part. The programme was recognised as a”Promising Programme” by the EEF because of its positive impact on children’s vocabulary, confidence and communication development.

For more information about the research behind NELI Preschool, visit the Education Endowment Foundation website:
https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/promising-programmes/neli-preschool