Home learning environment
A child's home learning environment (HLE) is about the interactions parents have in and around the home with their children, from birth.
The HLE encompasses the conditions, activities, and resources within a child's home that support educational and social development, including parental engagement, structured routines, and access to learning materials.
The quality of the home learning of a child is a key predictor of a baby’s and/or child’s early language ability and future success. As children grow, a supportive HLE continues to influence their academic and socioemotional outcomes.
There's support available for parents and carers to help create a positive and nurturing home learning environment.
Support available for parents and carers
Birmingham Early Years Network
Birmingham Early Years Network offers help with home learning, supporting children’s learning and development.
Visit Birmingham Early Years Network
Now you’re talking Birmingham is a part of the Network and it brings together information, resources, advice, and links for parents and practitioners that support Speech, Language and Communication development.
Learn more about Now you’re talking
The Network’s 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five initiative provides families with young children a range of fun, educational activities. Available through an app, website, and printed materials, these low- or no-cost ideas can be done indoors or outdoors at your own pace.
Learn more about 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five
Speech and Language UK
Speech and Language UK provide help for parents, resources and services to help your child at home with their speech, language and communication.
Find out more about Speech and Language UK
Additional resources:
Easy Peasy App
The Easy Peasy App supports Birmingham families by providing tools to help children’s speech, language, and communication development. Designed for parents and carers of children from birth to five, it improves the home learning environment and developmental outcomes by sharing top ideas and advice from a community of parents, carers, and practitioners
Download the APP for free access
NSPCC Look, Say, Sing, Play
The NSPCC Look, Say, Sing, Play flashcards and leaflets for children aged 0–2 are designed to provide parents with accessible, evidence-based strategies to enhance daily interactions with their infants. These materials support parents in fostering strong bonds with their children, which are essential for healthy development.
Find out more about Look, Say, Sing, Play
Making it REAL
Making it REAL (Raising Early Achievement in Literacy) is an award-winning programme that works with practitioners to support children’s early literacy and development.
Making it REAL helps practitioners to build parents’ knowledge and confidence so that they can help their children with reading and writing and create a positive early home learning environment.
Find more about Making it REAL
A Special Approach to Making it REAL
Parents and carers of children under 5, including those with additional needs or disabilities, can attend a free online seminar on early literacy and learning development.
The session will cover:
- an introduction to Raising Early Achievement in Literacy (REAL) and its four strands
- the role of language and communication in early learning
- seven practical activities to support your child’s development at home
- how to recognise learning opportunities in everyday routines
- how to understand and respond to your child’s interests
To find out more about booking a place, email makingitreal@barnardos.org.uk
Learn more about Special Approach to Making it REAL
Early Words Together
Early Words Together is a Department for Education approved National Literacy Trust programme for children aged 3-4, designed to boost communication, language, and early literacy through evidence-based activities. Delivered over six weeks in small groups, the programme helps parents enhance the home learning environment and support their child's development.
To learn more about Early Words Together, contact your child’s nursery.
To find out more about the Best Start in Life campaign, led by the National Literacy Trust and funded by the Department for Education and the Department for Health and Social Care, visit Best Start in Life.
BookTrust Bookstart
Bookstart is designed to support families in discovering the magic of shared reading from their earliest days.
Locally, the programme is managed by Bookstart Birmingham (part of Birmingham Libraries).
Find out more about Bookstart and the packs available
BookTrust Storytime
BookTrust Storytime provides families with an engaging library experience and simple ways to enjoy activities with children under 5. Come and enjoy free and lively activities in a space where you can have fun and enjoy stories together.
Head to your local library to find out if they will be taking part.
Birmingham libraries
There are libraries across Birmingham that offer support, activity groups and help to parents and young families.
Page last updated: 12 December 2024
