Preparing for nursery: how to support your child’s speech and language

Starting nursery is a big milestone for both children and parents. In London, nurseries often welcome children as young as one, which means many parents ask:
“Is my child’s speech and language ready for nursery?”

The truth is that every child develops at their own pace. But there are key skills that help children thrive when they join nursery and plenty you can do at home to support your child’s communication.

Why Speech and Language Matters for Nursery Readiness

Nursery is more than playtime, it’s the foundation for learning, friendships, and independence. Strong speech and language skills help children to:

• Express their needs (e.g., asking for the toilet or a drink)

• Join in play and build friendships

• Understand instructions from teachers

• Develop early literacy skills (listening, rhyming, recognising sounds)

The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) highlights the link between early communication and later learning outcomes.

Children with good communication skills often settle more quickly and feel more confident in the nursery environment.

If you’re concerned about your child’s readiness, visit Baby Speak’s Speech and Language Therapy page to explore how early input can help.

What to Expect Before Nursery

Here are some common skills you may see between ages 2–3:

• Understanding simple instructions (“Get your shoes”)

• Using short phrases of 2–4 words (“Want juice,” “Mummy come too”)

• Starting to ask simple questions

• Enjoying songs, rhymes, and picture books

By ages 3–4, children are often:

• Speaking in longer sentences

• Taking turns in conversations

• Using around 200–500 words

• Showing an interest in stories and role play

Remember: milestones are guides, not strict rules. Some children may be ahead in motor skills but slower in speech and that can be completely normal.

For clear guidance, the NHS offers information on early talking, and ICAN’s Talking Point provides helpful developmental checklists.

If you’re still unsure, you can always book an assessment with one of our team for reassurance and tailored advice.

5 Ways to Support Speech and Language Before Nursery

1. Talk Throughout the Day

Describe what you and your child are doing:

“You’re putting on your red shoes. Let’s zip up your coat.”
This running commentary helps children learn new words naturally.

2. Read, Sing, and Repeat

Storybooks, nursery rhymes, and songs build vocabulary and rhythm in language. Repetition is key, children love to hear the same book over and over.
The BookTrust charity has excellent tips on reading with toddlers.

3. Give Choices

Offer two options:

“Do you want the blue cup or the green cup?”
This encourages decision-making and speech in everyday moments.

4. Pause and Wait

When you ask a question, give your child time to respond. Children often need a few extra seconds to process words and plan what to say.

5. Play Together

Pretend play (shops, cooking, cars) builds imagination and introduces new words. Join in and model sentences:

“My teddy is hungry. I’m giving him some cake.”

London-Specific Tips

• Bilingual families: Many London children grow up with more than one language. This is a strength, not a delay, keep speaking your home language confidently.

• Busy schedules: Even on the go (on the bus, walking to nursery), chat with your child about what they see.

• Access to services: NHS waiting lists for speech therapy can be very long in London; some children wait over a year for support. Learn more in our blog How Long Are NHS Waiting Times for Speech Therapy in London?.

If you’re worried about a delay, private speech therapy can offer early, practical support before nursery starts.

When to Seek Extra Support

It may be helpful to talk to a professional if your child:

• Is not using words by 2 years old

• Is hard to understand compared to peers

• Doesn’t seem to understand simple instructions

• Shows frustration with communication

How Baby Speak Can Help

At Baby Speak, our London-based speech and language therapists support children at home and in nursery settings across Kensington, Chelsea, Hampstead, Maida Vale, St John’s Wood, Islington, Hackney, and surrounding areas.

Our clinic on Harley Street in Marylebone provides in-person sessions, while we also offer home visits and nursery-based therapy.

We offer:

• Individual assessments and therapy tailored to your child’s needs

• Parent coaching to build confidence supporting communication at home

• Nursery visits to work directly with staff and ensure consistent support

If you’d like advice before your child starts nursery, book a consultation or contact us today.

References

• RCSLT. Why Speech, Language and Communication is Important.

• NHS. Learning to Talk.

• ICAN. Talking Point Milestones.

• BookTrust. Tips for Reading with Your Toddler.

• The Guardian. Long Delays in NHS Care Causing Serious Damage to Children’s Health.

Emma O’Dwyer

Speech and Language Therapist, IBCLC Lactation Consultant and Founder of Baby Speak