Starting Strong: 5 Ways to Get Ahead with Speech and Language at School Entry
The new cohort of children has arrived in most primary schools. Tiny and wide-eyed, they pour in with their oversized backpacks and bright new uniforms...
Read moreA Summer Opportunity: Preparing for a Smooth September Transition
As the long-awaited summer holidays begin—or have already begun for some—there’s no doubt that a collective exhale is in order. It’s time to rest, reflect,...
Read moreInclusive Play: Creating Connections for Students with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
Sam sits on the bench alone in the playground. He spends most of his time staring down at his shoes, but every now and then,...
Read moreIssue 30, Pages 16-17: Supporting your TA
The language of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) or communication and interaction needs (both forms of label are in common use) is complex. These...
Read moreIssue 30, Pages 12-13: Getting SLCN support right
There is currently a focus on the speech and language skills of children starting school. This is a good thing; these skills are essential for...
Read moreIssue 30, Pages 8-9: EAL and multilingualism versus SLCN – how to support learners differently
Language difficulties are common in pupils who are learning English as an additional language (EAL learners), and those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)....
Read moreIssue 30, Page 7: Speech & Language Link – a valuable resource
When I became SENCo in 2004, speech and language therapists (SaLT) were still able to attend School Action Plus reviews and meet with schools three...
Read moreTop Toys for Talking
Speech and language therapists are often known for their arrival at a school, carrying an unwieldy bag full of assessments and resources. With this magical...
Read more“When we provide the right care and the right environment, they will flourish”
Stress, Shame and Sapless Succulents My garden, which is typically a neglected mess and truly overrun with weeds, got a big overhaul last spring. A sorry picture...
Read moreIssue 29, Pages 12-13: Ask a therapist – beyond the worksheet
Q. Am I doing enough for my SLCN learners? A. This is a brave but important question to ask. It sometimes feels that, by adapting activities to...
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