Reception Communication and Language report comments
Communication and Language covers listening, attention, understanding and speaking. These Reception comments are written against the Early Learning Goals, in language parents can follow.
15 example comments across 3 levels, plus 6 next steps. Type a name below to fill in every comment.
Strong progress, securely at the expected level
[Pupil] is an articulate communicator. They listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and explain their ideas in full sentences using a wide range of vocabulary.
[Pupil] loves stories and retells them with real expression, using new words they have learned. They join in with discussions confidently and take turns to speak.
[Pupil] listens attentively in whole-class and small-group times and responds with relevant comments and questions. Their vocabulary has grown hugely this year.
[Pupil] speaks with confidence to adults and children alike. They use past, present and future forms correctly when talking about events and love to share news.
[Pupil] follows instructions with several steps and can explain why things happen. Their curiosity shows in the questions they ask every day.
At the expected level of development
[Pupil] listens well and enjoys stories, rhymes and songs. They speak in sentences and are learning to use new vocabulary from our topics. Talking about their day at home will help them build longer explanations.
[Pupil] has grown in confidence when speaking in a group this year. They can follow instructions and answer questions about stories they have heard.
[Pupil] is a chatty member of the class who enjoys sharing their ideas. Listening carefully to others and waiting for their turn to speak is the next step.
[Pupil] communicates clearly and enjoys talking with friends during play. They are beginning to use words like because to explain their thinking.
[Pupil] understands what is said to them and is developing their ability to retell a story in order. Sharing books at home and talking about the pictures will support this.
Emerging: still working towards the expected level
[Pupil] is developing their speaking and listening skills. They are more confident talking with adults they know and are beginning to join in with group times. We will continue to build their vocabulary through stories and play.
[Pupil] enjoys listening to stories and is beginning to answer simple questions about them. Speaking in short sentences is a focus, and their confidence is growing.
[Pupil] is learning to listen for longer periods and to follow simple instructions. Lots of talk at home, such as describing what you are doing together, will help.
[Pupil] communicates their needs and is beginning to use more words to express ideas. They benefit from small-group sessions and have made progress this year.
[Pupil] is building their attention and understanding with support. Singing songs and sharing rhymes at home will help develop their language further.
Reception communication and language next steps
Finish a comment with one specific, achievable target. Parents find these the most useful line in a report.
- Speak in full sentences to explain ideas and feelings.
- Listen to others and wait for a turn to speak.
- Use new vocabulary from stories and topics in their talk.
- Retell a familiar story in the right order.
- Ask questions to find out more.
- Use the word because to explain why something happened.
How to use these comments
Replace [Pupil] with the child's first name and adjust any detail that does not fit your class or school style. These comments are designed to be a solid starting point, not a finished product. The best report comments are the ones where you have added something specific about that child: a particular achievement, a moment you remember, a challenge they have worked through.
If you want to generate comments that are already specific to your pupils, Staffroom does exactly that. Add your notes about each child, choose a tone, and the comments it generates will be genuinely personal rather than adapted from a template.