REAL programme
Now Accepting Referrals for 2 Year Olds!
Starting in April 2025, we are excited to announce that we can now accept referrals for 2 year olds to join our Making it REAL programme! This programme, developed in partnership with Southwark Council as part of their Southwark Family Hub & Start for Life initiative, is designed to support children aged 2 - 4 and their families, in Southwark. Our goal is to enhance the home learning environment and improve early literacy development in the comfort of the child’s home.
What is Making it REAL?
The REAL programme is based on evidence from the original REAL project led by Professors Cathy Nutbrown and Peter Hannon at the University of Sheffield. It uses the ORIM framework (Opportunities, Recognition, Interaction, and Model), which focuses on four key areas to help parents support their children’s communication, language, and early literacy skills:
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Opportunities – Ensuring children have access to books, writing materials, and other literacy resources at home.
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Recognition – Recognising and celebrating children’s milestones in literacy development.
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Interaction – Engaging in positive, supportive interactions with children through everyday literacy activities.
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Modeling – Exploring literacy use in daily life, so children can see their parents actively engaging with reading and writing.
How We Support Families?
Our trained team of staff and volunteers work directly with families through a series of home visits and literacy events. Each family will receive four home visits (for children aged 2 - 4) focuses on books, oral language, mark making and environmental print, ensuring that parents are supported and equipped to create a rich learning environment at home.
Why Choose Making it REAL?
The REAL programme is fun, engaging, and accessible, making it easy for parents to integrate learning into their daily routines. It provides practical support for improving communication, language, and early literacy skills, while encouraging a positive relationship between families and early childhood settings and building upon the wonderful learning that families already do.