The latest research from New Zealand's Education Review Office (ERO) paints a concerning picture. Oral language difficulties are affecting children's learning long before reading and writing begin. This has significant implications for literacy, well being, and academic success.

Over many years of working alongside teachers, school leaders and education communities, I have spent a great deal of time listening. I listen to the way teachers explain ideas, invite responses and build conversations. I listen to the questions students are asked, the time they are given to think and whose voices are most often heard.

WellComm is a practical oral language screening toolkit that helps kaiako identify children who may need additional support and, importantly, provides the resources to begin targeted intervention straight away.