This paper reports findings of a questionnaire study that was carried out in the
North East of England. It reports early years professionals' need for
training, levels of confidence, and the accuracy of their judgements regarding
children's speech and language. Variations in confidence and accuracy of
judgement are analysed to explore the effects of different professional training and
the kinds of setting in which early years practitioners work. Findings are discussed
in the context of increasing demands on early years staff both to identify language
difficulties and to work more closely with other professionals to support children
with special needs.
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