Early language development is important to many aspects of a child’s overall development and academic performance. The early identification of speech and language needs, along with appropriate intervention, is therefore crucial.

To build the evidence base in this area – particularly for Year 1 pupils, where current evidence is limited – the EEF commissioned an independent evaluation of Infant Language Link. The programme combines a standardised language screening tool with a tiered package of classroom and targeted interventions. The trial was funded through the Department for Education’s Accelerator Fund as part of a broader effort to evaluate promising approaches for improving pupil attainment.

This evaluation was carried out through a two-armed, two-level randomised controlled efficacy trial. It found that:

• Year 1 pupils in schools using Infant Language Link did not make any additional months’ progress in receptive and expressive language, on average, compared to pupils in control schools. This result has a high security rating.
• Year 1 pupils selected for targeted support made, on average, one fewer months’ progress in receptive and expressive language, than a similar group of pupils in control schools. This finding is less secure due to the smaller number of pupils.
• Year 1 pupils eligible for free school meals and children with English as an additional language in Infant Language Link schools did not make any additional months’ progress in receptive and expressive language, on average, compared to those in other schools. These findings are less secure due to the smaller number of pupils.

Feedback from teaching staff indicated that many of the whole-class resources were similar to materials already in use. This may explain the lack of observed additional impact compared to usual practice.

Staff reported that the screening tool was helpful in identifying pupils with language needs. Observations also showed that the tiered structure encouraged pupil talk, with children frequently taking turns in both whole-class and small group settings. However, there was no conclusive evidence that the quality or quantity of children’s talk improved as a direct result of the programme.

The EEF has no current plans for a further evaluation of Infant Language Link.

• 166 schools took part in the trial.
• Schools were recruited from all regions of England, with most located in the Midlands and the North.
• 65% of schools came from Educational Investment Areas (EIAs).
• 87% of schools were from urban areas.
• In schools that took part, 34% of pupils were eligible for FSM (national average is 23%).

• Teachers and TAs attend two training webinars (1 x 1.5 hours, 1 x 1 hour), SENCOs attend three training webinars (2 x 1 hour, 1 x 1.5 hours)
• TAs deliver 24 x 30-minute targeted intervention sessions
• Staff supervision is required to administer the screening too
• Internet access, a computer, and printing facilities are required to access the online screening tool, webinars and resources, and some printing of resources is required for the targeted intervention groups.
• Infant Language Link is commercially available to schools