Wallacetown Early Years Centre achieves Communication Friendly Environment accreditation

Wallacetown Early Years Centre (EYC) has become the first EYC in South Ayrshire to successfully achieve fully accredited Communication Friendly Environment status.

The focus on becoming a Communication Friendly Environment sits within South Ayrshire Reads; a local authority strategy to raise attainment in literacy and significantly reduce the literacy gap between the most and least disadvantaged children and young people in South Ayrshire.

The aim of the Communication Friendly Environment approach is to ensure that by 2026 all South Ayrshire educational establishments from Early Years Centres and Primary, through to secondary and specialist provisions will be on their journey to achieving full accreditation.

Achieving this status displays a commitment to making communication as easy, effective, and enjoyable as possible. Furthermore, it provides opportunities for everyone to talk, listen, understand, and take part.

The roll out of the Communication Friendly Environments accreditation in Wallacetown EYC began 18 months ago. This was led by two senior Early Years Practitioners, who were nominated as the establishment's Communication Champions, in conjunction with the South Ayrshire Communication Friendly Team and the Centre's leadership team.

The accreditation process saw Wallacetown EYC work closely with all parties linked to the Centre to develop and implement an action plan outlining a consistent approach to communication at all levels. The plan outlined development opportunities to work with families and professionals to nurture the speech, language and communication of all children and young people.

To mark this momentous achievement, Wallacetown EYC held a celebration event on Wednesday 28 May where their journey to gaining this status was shared with families.  

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council's Portfolio Holder for Education said:

"It is incredibly important that all children and young people are provided with educational opportunities that foster, support and develop their speech, language and communication skills. This helps to break down any communication barriers, allowing children and young people to reap the benefits and encourage lifelong positive outcomes.

I would like to congratulate Wallacetown EYC on gaining this accreditation and leading the way for many of our other educational establishments in South Ayrshire who will aim to reach this goal in the near future. The positive impact of adopting the Communication Friendly Environments approach is clear across the Centre and the staff and everyone involved should be extremely proud of their achievement."