28/03/2026
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'A child’s first word is never an accident.'
Speaking at Voice 21’s Speaking Summit in London, Ofsted’s Chief Inspector Sir Martyn Oliver highlighted how the foundations for communication begin long before a child ever speaks.
Through everyday moments like conversations, stories, songs and rhymes, children absorb language and build the vocabulary they need to communicate, learn and form relationships throughout life.
He also pointed to the strong link between speaking, listening and reading. Oral language helps children understand what they read, while books expose them to new words and ideas they might not hear in everyday conversation.
But around 1 in 5 children start school below the expected level for speech and language, underlining the importance of language-rich environments both at home and in early education.
Sir Martyn said Ofsted’s renewed inspection framework aims to ensure children’s vocabulary and communication skills continue to grow throughout their education.
What small things do you do at home to help build your child’s vocabulary – reading together, chatting about your day, singing songs?
