---
title: Why focus on oral language skills and why NELI?
description: Why oral language is the foundation for reading and learning, and the evidence for NELI as a way to close language gaps in Reception.
---

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2. [NELI Intervention and NELI Training - FAQ - Whole Class - NELI Preschool](https://support.oxedandassessment.com/neli-intervention-and-neli-training-faq-whole-class-neli-preschool?hsLang=en-gb)
3. [NELI - the Nuffield Early Learning Intervention](https://support.oxedandassessment.com/neli-intervention-and-neli-training-faq-whole-class-neli-preschool?hsLang=en-gb#neli-the-nuffield-early-learning-intervention)

# Why focus on oral language skills and why NELI?

NELI was developed by a team led by Professors Charles Hulme and Maggie Snowling (University of Oxford) in response to the growing evidence that oral language skills form a key foundation of education and are critical for psychosocial development and wellbeing.

Evidence shows that oral language skills can be enhanced through targeted and specific teaching. Several robust evaluations funded by the Nuffield Foundation and Education Endowment Foundation, have shown that NELI improves children’s oral language and early literacy skills. A recent trial found that children who received NELI, over a 6 month period, made on average 3 months additional progress in language development compared to children in the comparison group. NELI is best evidenced early language intervention available in the UK.

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    - [Identifying pupils to receive NELI](https://support.oxedandassessment.com/neli-intervention-and-neli-training-faq-whole-class-neli-preschool?hsLang=en-gb#identifying-pupils-to-receive-neli)
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