We have groups of 2–4-year-olds and it would probably be easiest for us to do the Whole Group sessions using these groupings. Would that be OK?

NELI Preschool is a wonderful way to introduce slightly younger children to the world of storybooks and the rich vocabulary they offer. Whilst the attention demands of NELI Preschool may not be suitable for all two-year-olds, we recommend letting them join in as much as possible (maybe even let the older children model good talking and listening for them!) but letting them go do something else if it becomes too much.

For this, we recommend having several support staff helping with delivery to monitor engagement and accompanying children who may not be developmentally ready for 20-to-25-minute Whole Group Sessions. As the year progresses, you may find the younger children are able to engage for longer periods of time! The key is consistency and understanding that NELI Preschool is aimed at children the year before they enter Reception.

The great thing is that when these now 2-year-olds are old enough to access NELI Preschool next year (or year after), they will already have been exposed to the routine and language richness of the programme – this can only be a good thing!