8 May 2008

You and Me Let’s Talk

A language phrase book has been developed to help staff in Early Years settings communicate with children and parents whose first language is not English.

Developed by Armagh and Dungannon Early Years Forum, ‘You and Me Let’s Talk’ contains basic phrases in five languages for example about numbers, shapes, food and play.

The book was developed in response to the increasing number of children from multi cultural backgrounds attending Day Nurseries. It will also be a useful resource for childminders or anyone working with young children or parents who do not speak English. Jill Hessin, the Day Care representative on the Forum who came up with the idea for the book said: “I am very pleased with the final product and proud to be associated with the document.”

Ciaran Eastwood, Head of Early Years and Parenting for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust said: “This is an excellent resource to facilitate inclusion and support communication with migrant workers and their families in day care and pre-school settings.”

The book was funded by Armagh and Dungannon Early Years Forum through the Children and Young People's Funding Package.

Ann Godfrey, Children's Services Planner for the Southern area said: “Given that many parents who do not speak English have difficulty in communicating with staff in nurseries and playgroups, I welcome this very useful booklet, which will help to give all children the best of opportunities there.”

Ilona Wofciechowska whose son attends a local playgroup said: “As a Polish parent I believe this book will be very useful and I would like to thank everyone involved for offering support to our community.”