Every nursery has them.

The child who happily chats at home but never speaks in nursery.

The child who whispers to one adult but stays silent with everyone else.

The child who watches from the side, desperately wanting to join in but unable to find their voice.

It’s easy to assume these children are simply shy.

But often, there is much more happening beneath the surface.

It’s Not That They Won’t Talk It’s That Their Brain Doesn’t Feel Safe Yet

One of the biggest misconceptions about selective mutism and anxiety is that children choose not to speak.

In reality, many desperately want to communicate.

Their brain has simply activated its survival system.

When this happens, speech can temporarily become unavailable, even though the child knows exactly what they want to say.

Understanding this changes everything.

Instead of asking,
“Why won’t they talk?”

We begin asking,
“What does this child need to feel safe?”

That shift transforms the way we support children.

Why Nursery and school Staff Make Such a Difference

As a Speech and Language Therapist with over 20 years of experience supporting children with selective mutism and anxiety, I’ve seen first-hand how powerful nursery staff can be.

Children spend many hours each week with you.

The way you respond, the language you use, the expectations you set, and the environment you create can either reduce anxiety or unintentionally increase it.

The wonderful news is that small changes often make the biggest difference.

You don’t need expensive resources.

You don’t need complicated interventions.

You simply need to understand what the child’s brain is trying to do.

What You’ll Learn During This Workshop

This practical online workshop has been created specifically for nursery professionals.

Together we’ll explore:

• Why some children are unable to speak in nursery even though they talk confidently elsewhere.
• The science behind anxiety and selective mutism explained in a practical, easy-to-understand way.
• The common mistakes that unintentionally increase pressure.
• Simple strategies that help children feel safe enough for communication to emerge naturally.
• How to build confidence without creating additional anxiety.
• Practical ideas you can start using immediately in your setting.

Everything I teach is based on current evidence, clinical experience, and over two decades of working alongside families, schools and nurseries.

Perfect For

These workshops are ideal for:

• Nursery practitioners
• Early Years educators
• Nursery managers
• Childcare professionals
• SEND staff
• Teaching assistants working in Early Years
• Primary school staff

Whether you’re currently supporting a quiet child or simply want to feel more confident recognising the early signs of anxiety, this workshop will give you practical tools you can use straight away.

Early Understanding Changes Children’s Lives

The earlier we recognise that silence is often a sign of anxiety rather than choice, the sooner we can provide the right support.

When adults understand what is happening inside a child’s brain, we stop focusing on getting children to talk.

Instead, we focus on helping them feel safe.

And when children feel safe…

their confidence grows.

Their participation increases.

And eventually, their voice begins to emerge.

Join Me Online

If you’ve ever wondered how best to support a child who seems unable to speak in nursery, this workshop is for you.

Together, we’ll explore how to create environments where every child feels safe, understood, and ready to communicate at their own pace.

I look forward to welcoming you.

If you’re looking for a gentle way to help your child understand their brain, emotions and communication, my children’s book My Brain Land was written just for that. It introduces children to their own “Brain Land” using simple, reassuring language that helps them feel understood. Find out more here:

Remember: before we expect speech, we must create safety. Because when children feel safe, communication grows and speech follows.

 

 

Anna Biavati
Speech Therapist, Creator of the Brave Muscle Method, Founder of Steps To Brave Talking
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