• Big fish, small pond

    by Juliet Leonard
    — Speech and Language Therapist 22 Jun 2023

    It’s that time of year again when Year 6/P7 pupils start to look and feel like they are ‘outgrowing’ primary school. SaLT, Juliet Leonard offers her tips on how to make this transition easier.

  • Finding compassion for our anxiety creature (and tips to support children with theirs)

    by Guest Writer 08 Jun 2023

    Dr Samantha Weld-Blundell, emphasises that anxiety is a natural part of being human. In this blog, she provides valuable tips to support children with anxiety, including grounding activities, breathing exercises, reducing unknowns, & structured games.

  • How does the new SEND and AP Improvement plan link with supporting speech and language in schools?

    by Kate Freeman
    — Consultant - speech and language in education 18 May 2023

    The UK government launched the SEND and AP Improvement Plan in the spring of 2023. The plan recognises that many schools struggle to support pupils’ special educational needs and disabilities, including speech, language and communication needs. How does the new SEND and AP Improvement plan link with supporting speech and language in schools?

  • What shall we pack?

    by Alison Fowle
    — Speech and language therapist 04 May 2023

    When a pupil hurries over and asks to help, it might be tempting to say no for a whole host of reasons, including the additional time it will take! In this blog we explore where saying ‘yes’ might lead, and why we need to find space in the school day for our enthusiastic helpers to join in.

  • Is language the problem?

    by Claire Chambers 06 Apr 2023

    Some pupils are really good at masking their language and communication difficulties – especially when they have a ‘partner in crime’ to help them. Read on to find out how Ben’s friendship concealed the difficulties he was having in class and how, when this support was removed, the detrimental effect it had on Ben’s behaviour and well-being.