WATERY Lane Preschool in Minehead has been awarded an accreditation by the children’s communication charity I CAN.

The supportive level accreditation is in recognition of the preschool’s good practice in supporting all children’s speech, language and communication development.

Watery Lane is the first Early Years setting in West Somerset to be awarded the accreditation.

Watery Lane took part in the Early Talk programme which included training for all staff and a review of the setting based on good practice standards for supporting communication.

The setting was praised for its work with parents and the range of strategies used to support children’s language and independence skills.

Watery Lane Preschool is an Ofsted rated ‘outstanding’ nursery in Minehead that accepts children from the term after their second birthday up to when they start school.

Manager Liz Kane said: “The whole team work incredibly hard to support all children in their language and communication skills and are always seeking to develop their practice to ensure the highest level of teaching and support is provided in our play-based environment.

“We are extremely proud to be the first Early Years setting in West Somerset to be awarded the accreditation.”

Early Talk is funded by the Department for Education’s Opportunity Area (OA) programme to help children in West Somerset unleash their potential.

West Somerset is one of 12 OAs across England sharing a total of £90 million over four years, from 2017 to 2021, as part of the Government’s commitment to level up skills and opportunities across the country.

I CAN specialises in helping children develop the speech, language and communication skills they need to thrive in a 21st century world. Its mission is that no child should be left out or left behind because of a difficulty in speaking or understanding.