Speech & Language Link in the ‘What Works in SEND’ Report 2025

We are proud to have been included in the University of Warwick’s “Delivery of services for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities” report (May 2025).

The ‘What Works in SEND’ report maps sixteen innovative service delivery approaches across England. Among these, Speech & Language Link stands out as a durable, scalable framework for identifying and addressing Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) in schools. Its inclusion underscores how language screening and targeted interventions can transform mainstream provision, reduce specialist waiting lists, and empower teachers and families.

Embedding Speech & Language Link in the SEND Landscape

Table 2 of the report categorises approaches by primary need. Speech & Language Link is listed under Communication and Interaction needs – key attributes highlighted include:

• Longevity and Reach: Operating since 2004, adopted by many local authorities and thousands of schools.
• Universal + Targeted Model: Offers classroom-based screening and small‐group interventions across Infant, Junior, and Secondary settings (early years offer is forthcoming).
• Comprehensive Toolkits: Standardised language assessments, speech screeners, and evidence-informed activity packs tailored to age and need.

The report demonstrates Speech & Language Link packages’ adaptability—spanning early years, primary, and secondary phases, with specialist support to schools available remotely

Core Features Driving Impact

The report’s scoping analysis emphasises several distinctive strengths of Speech & Language Link:

• Early Classroom Screening
  Teachers and teaching assistants administer standardised checks, shifting initial SLCN identification into daily school practice. Speech & Language Link in the “What Works in SEND” Report 2025
• Evidence-Based Interventions
  Structured lesson-linked activity packs address vocabulary, sentence structure, and pragmatic skills—repeatedly re-standardised for current cohorts.
• Sustainable Training Model
  Schools subscribe annually, accessing an online portal, webinars, and speech and language therapy staffed Help Desk, embedding expertise for schools.
• Multi-Agency Alignment
  Many Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards, and NHS providers commission Speech & Language Link as part of their commissioning for both  education and health objectives.

Lessons for Local Authorities and Family Hubs

Local areas preparing Family Hubs or joint commissioning reviews can leverage Speech & Language Link to:

• Embed Early Identification in 0–5 and 5–16 settings, reducing pressure on specialist therapists.
• Populate Local Offer websites with parent-facing information and videos—enhancing accessibility and understanding.
• Allocate funding flexibly, supporting school-led SLCN initiatives and reducing need for extensive waiting times.

By adopting Speech & Language Link’s universal and targeted architecture, regions can triage pupil needs more effectively and achieve equitable SLCN support.

Conclusion

The “What Works in SEND” report profiles Speech & Language Link as a good practice exemplar. Highlights of the Speech & Language packages are described as powering language skills screening, embedding sustainable school-based interventions, and integrating multi-agency efforts. All these make the package indispensable in supporting inclusive, effective SLCN provision.

We hope that inclusion in this report will confirm to Local Authorities, schools, and health partners who are seeking actionable, evidence-informed solutions how Speech & Language Link’s approach is both replicable and transformative.