Promote literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning

URN: HSCCLD358
Business Sectors (Suites): Health and Social Care & Childcare Learning and Development
Developed by: Skills for Care & Development
Approved: 2026

Overview

This standard identifies the requirements when promoting literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning. It requires you to work with families in supporting children to develop literacy, numeracy and language. It requires you to work with others in the setting to monitor, evaluate and support literacy, numeracy and language.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. work in partnership with families and others to identify the individual literacy, numeracy, and language development needs of children
  2. agree on strategies with families and others to support the individual literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  3. work in partnership with families to co-create learning spaces and experiences that support the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  4. plan and implement targeted strategies with others to support groups of children in enhancing their literacy, numeracy, and language skills
  5. select relevant information from early years frameworks to guide and support literacy, numeracy, and language development
  6. provide necessary resources and environments to implement strategies for supporting the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  7. work in partnership to promote the literacy, numeracy, and language skills of children through engaging and stimulating spaces, experiences and interactions
  8. use everyday experiences and the natural curiosity of children to encourage exploration and development in literacy, numeracy, and language
  9. use observations and interactions to shape planning by identifying needs in literacy, numeracy, and language and responding to the emerging interests of children
  10. apply evidence-based approaches that promote and extend the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  11. adapt learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of children 
  12. provide personalised support that reflects the individual progress and developmental needs of children
  13. use a range of observation and assessment methods to track the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  14. involve children in shaping their own learning experiences, valuing their voices and choices 
  15. identify and involve others to support and enhance the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  16. respect and celebrate the home language, accent, and dialect of children, to promote cultural inclusivity and enrich literacy and language learning
  17. foster open, welcoming, and ongoing communication with families to encourage partnership working and ensure literacy, numeracy, and language development of children are supported at home and in the workplace
  18. provide clear, accessible information to families to empower them to support literacy, numeracy, and language learning of children at home
  19. support families to recognise, celebrate, and build upon the literacy, numeracy, and language strengths and skills of children
  20. support families to identify the role of play and everyday experiences in developing literacy, numeracy, and language skills
  21. identify and address any challenges preventing families from supporting the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  22. work in partnership with others to review and evaluate literacy, numeracy, and language experiences within the workplace
  23. reflect on and enhance the approach of the workplace to engaging families in the literacy, numeracy, and language development of children
  24. complete records and reports required for promoting literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning
  25. reflect on how you carried out your roles and responsibilities when promoting literacy, numeracy, and language development for children’s early learning

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the importance of routines and transitions in providing opportunities for literacy, numeracy and language development 
  2. the stages of literacy, numeracy and language development in children
  3. key skills and concepts of numeracy development
  4. stages of learning early numeracy concepts 
  5. key skills and concepts of emergent literacy 
  6. the purpose of early years curriculum frameworks in supporting the literacy, numeracy and language development of children
  7. how to apply trauma informed principles to promote literacy, numeracy and language development of children
  8. the influence of neurodivergence and additional needs on the literacy, numeracy and language development of children
  9. how to balance adult-led and child-led experiences to create meaningful learning opportunities
  10. the significance of play-based learning as a foundation for literacy, numeracy and language development
  11. how to use observations and interactions to inform planning and tailor learning experiences to individual children
  12. how to adapt experiences for the learning needs of individuals and groups of children 
  13. strategies for creating flexible and adaptable learning experiences, responding to real-life moments and the curiosity of children
  14. how to create stimulating, engaging environments that supports exploration, problem-solving, and inquiry
  15. the types of spaces, experiences, and interactions that best support literacy, numeracy and language development
  16. the significance of physical, outdoor, and nature-based play in promoting literacy, numeracy and language development
  17. how to source sustainable resources and adjust environments to meet the needs of children
  18. how to integrate real-world experiences, digital tools and devices, and open-ended resources to enrich learning
  19. the importance of dignity, kindness, and compassion when promoting literacy, numeracy and language development 
  20. how to plan for literacy, numeracy and language development in a way that supports emotional regulation
  21. the role of families and others in supporting the development of children and co-creating learning opportunities
  22. the influence of culture and background on literacy, numeracy and language development 
  23. the difference between personalised learning and differentiated approaches to learning 
  24. specific challenges for the early learning of children in multilingual and bilingual settings
  25. the role of self-evaluation in enhancing planning and practice
  26. the records and reports required for promoting literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning
  27. theories relevant to the literacy, numeracy and language development of children
  28. the relevant legal requirements, standards of practice, frameworks and guidance for literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning 
  29. the workplace requirements on equality, diversity, inclusion, and rights when promoting literacy, numeracy and language development for children’s early learning 
  30. how your personal experiences and unconscious bias may impact when promoting literacy, numeracy, and language development for children’s early learning, and how to address this
  31. the role of supervision, reflective practice and learning and development on promoting literacy, numeracy, and language development for children’s early learning

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary

The glossary for this National Occupational Standard is available on the Skills for Care and Development website.


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2031

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for Care & Development

Original URN

HSCCLD358

Relevant Occupations

Social Care and Childrens Care

SOC Code


Keywords

Literacy, numeracy and language development, early learning, Health and Social Care & Children’s Care Learning and Development