AFASIC CYMRU INITIATIVES - BASIC SKILLS

There is a new initiative for Wales to help all children's language skills.

Pat Davies of the Basic Skills Agency writes, "The Welsh Assembly Government is determined to break the cycle of under-achievement, which puts so many young children in Wales at a disadvantage".

Jane Davidson, the Minister for Education & Lifelong Learning describes the early years as a "bedrock on which we must build".

In consultation with Early Years & Sure Start Partnerships, health visitors, speech & language therapists & playgroup organisations the Basic Skills Agency have developed a programme to show all parents how to stimulate the language & literacy of their babies & young children. They have a Language Co-ordinator Officer in every Local Authority.

A Learning & Play pack should now be available for 0-3 years. Language & Play aims to build on the work of the Book Trusts Bookstart Programme which provides books for babies in every family in Wales at the 7-9mth health check. For more information contact Nick Harper at nickh@basic-skills.co.uk or the Wales Hotline 0845 602 1654.

Afasic Cymru, Titan House, Cardiff Bay Business Centre, Lewis Road, Ocean Park, Cardiff CF24 5BS
Registered Charity No. 1045617