Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced the expansion of the ‘Early Talk Boost’ programme, a targeted intervention designed to address language delays among young children. The initiative will grow this month with the recruitment of up to 50 additional tutors, extending its reach to more early learning and care settings nationwide.
Currently active in 108 settings across 18 counties, Early Talk Boost delivers structured language sessions three times a week over an eight-week period. Each session, lasting 15–20 minutes, is integrated into regular preschool activities and delivered in small groups of up to eight children.
A cornerstone of the programme is its partnership with parents. Families receive a pack of eight storybooks to reinforce language development at home and participate in workshops led by early years educators to support consistent learning strategies.
Minister Foley praised the programme’s impact, stating, “It is very positive to continue the rollout of this programme, so that it reaches the children most in need at such an important stage of their language development.”
The expansion forms part of Equal Start, a national strategy aimed at improving access and participation in early learning for children at risk of disadvantage. Training is delivered by Better Start tutors, Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme mentors, and HSE-supported educators.
Counties already participating include Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Donegal, with Kerry and Kildare set to join in the coming weeks. Educators and parents alike have reported noticeable improvements in children’s confidence, vocabulary, and engagement.
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to early intervention and inclusive education, ensuring that all children have the tools to thrive from the earliest stages of development.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, with staff and board members from Our Nursery, Ballymun. Part of Early Talk Boost training
