Early Language Environments with Erica Mason

This session will focus on creating language rich EYFS environments, with phonics and early reading at the core. Practical ideas and strategies for promoting communication, language and vocabulary will be shared, alongside lots of images of this in action.
Erica has been the Headteacher of Whitefield Infant School, Nelson, Lancashire for the last 12 years. Whitefield Infant School is a three form entry Infant School, which serves a community of 99.6% minority ethnic groups. The overwhelming majority of children are of Asian minority backgrounds, with 96.6% EAL. Local data puts the school in the highest deprivation band. Children start the school typically with knowledge and skills well below those expected for their age, however due to the curriculum design and approach, children are leaving Year 2 at and above national averages, showing the accelerated journey of progress the children encounter.
Erica is passionate about the Arts and creativity and how this can be used to foster language development. Erica’s specialism is the EYFS and high quality, purposeful learning environments, ensuring a balance of play-based and adult led learning, which she has supported other schools with, in Lancashire and beyond.
Erica is a Professional Development Lead for the NCETM and is training to be an Evidence Lead in Education for a local research school. She has led training for the local authority, Education Trusts and Academies and the local English Hub over the last few years and is keen to support colleagues in EYFS to ensure our children get the best possible starting points and are ready for their next phase in education.