Developing Speech, Language and Communication Skills in Education: What Works and Why

This practical guide equips teachers and other educators across the age phases with the knowledge, skills and confidence required to fully meet the speech, language and communication (SLC) needs of children and young people.

Hazel Richards is a specialist speech and language therapist who worked with children and young people with complex needs in mainstream, specialist and alternative settings for over 20 years. Her experience of working with SENCos as a professional, school governor and parent motivated her doctoral studies investigating SENCo identity and influences on practice.

Natacha Capener has over 16 years’ experience working within education, from early years through to secondary, in both mainstream and specialist settings. As a speech and language therapist she has worked collaboratively with teaching staff in schools to embed speech and language therapy practices and approaches within the academic curriculum.

Aaron Emmett is a speech and language therapist whose most recent clinical role was lead for secondary and further education. He has worked with children and young people as part of a secondary school team and as a youth worker. Aaron has engaged in research analysing the experiences of SENCos in accessing speech and language therapy services.