Building a communication friendly school 5 step programme to success!

5 steps to success © Elklan Training Ltd2

Step 1 Speech and Language Support for Communication Friendly Schools Training for 2 TA’s –Elklan Speech and Language Support for 5- 11s –Accredited at level 3 © Elklan Training Ltd3

Step 1 Speech and Language Support for 5-11s © Elklan Training Ltd4 What is communication? ListeningUnderstandingTalkingInteraction

Quantitative data from implementation of Step 1 © Elklan Training Ltd5 74% Strategies considered effective or very effective by TA’s 85% Of TA’s now feel confident or extremely confident in supporting children with SLCN

Qualitative data This course has made me aware of how supremely powerful language is to both involve and exclude people and has shown me how fine alteration to syntax and vocabulary can make what I want to teach accessible to more children. I suppose that is what I have really learned- that to teach children with SAL difficulties you have to change your approach, but these changes actually benefit all the children in your care by removing many barriers to understanding and allowing the pupils to concentrate on content. This is inclusion for all. Susan Davies, Wigan © Elklan Training Ltd

Qualitative data ‘ The Elklan course has really made an impact on how I teach on a daily basis. I now find myself naturally using these new strategies and skills which is fantastic. I and others have already noticed a definite improvement in one particular child’s development using these new found skills which is very rewarding. I also believe I have developed a better understanding of why some children behave disruptively and have poor social skills which may be due to the fact they have limited language and communication skills. Having a better knowledge of speech and language difficulties has helped me spot other children who may potentially need extra help or support with their language and communication skills.’ Cheryl Pettier, Southend. Teaching assistant. © Elklan Training Ltd

Step 1 - outcomes Two highly trained TA’s who with their new expertise can….. –Support the teachers in the delivery of Communication Counts (Step3) –Be a resource to all staff in the school regarding SLCN –Raise the profile of SLCN in the school –Support specific children –Support all children's communication development © Elklan Training Ltd

Step 2 Speech and Language Support for Communication Friendly Schools © Elklan Training Ltd9 Training for 2 teachers –SENCO –Senior teacher interested in communication.

Step 2 ITEMS – teacher training Sept Interaction Think about questions Jan Extend vocabulary Apr Make it visual Speak out! © Elklan Training Ltd

Quantitative data from implementation of Step 2 %Strategies considered effective or very effective by SENCOs 91%Stop, wait and respond 95%Blank 91%Vocabulary 95%Visual strategies © Elklan Training Ltd11

‘The course has been well run, the knowledge and enthusiasm of the course leader has improved my own knowledge and confidence. Staff regularly come to me for advice and I feel confident to support them.’ Gemma Hans, Salford’ ‘The course was fantastic and I now feel confident in supporting all staff in the different areas covered by the course. The materials greatly supported this.’ Rhiann Glover Bolton © Elklan Training Ltd12 Qualitative data

‘I have found the course extremely useful and thought provoking. I especially benefited from the opportunity to engage with others in professional dialogue, and to share in presentations from different schools and therefore different perspectives. Also useful was the time spent practising the strategies with colleagues. With the support of the course leaders and peers, it was very beneficial to practise the skills ourselves. I struggle to add any suggestions to make the course more effective. Lesley Cooper, Bolton © Elklan Training Ltd13

Step 2 - outcomes Two highly trained teachers in SLCN who have gained a level 4 qualification All the resources and support needed to deliver Communication Counts (Step 3) Teachers who have been empowered to raise the profile of SLCN and drive change in practice in the environment © Elklan Training Ltd

Step 3 Speech and Language Support for Communication Friendly Schools © Elklan Training Ltd15 Training for the WHOLE school –Teachers –TA’s –Admin staff –Dinner supervisors –Everyone!

Step 3 Communication Counts 1 SENCO + senior teacher 3 x 1 hour Communication Counts training 2 All staff attend All staff embed strategies 3 SENCO + senior teacher evaluate impact Record and report impact data © Elklan Training Ltd16

Step 3 Condensed information cascaded to whole school covers…. Oct Interaction Think about questions Feb Extend vocabulary May Make it visual Speak out! © Elklan Training Ltd

Qualitative data ‘The effect of the training has been evident across the whole school, from the head's office to the playground & dinner hall. It is easier to raise certain issues when staff need extra support in dealing with individual children.’ P. Patton, Bristol, Teacher © Elklan Training Ltd18

Step 3 - outcomes A whole school trained to understand how to support and develop ALL children's communication but especially those with SLCN Practical resources for the school to use to maintain change A change in culture – it’s our responsibility to support children with SLCN not someone else’s! The skills to help! © Elklan Training Ltd

Step 4 – The audit Staff are supported by the tutors to complete an audit of how they as a school have implemented the new strategies and embedded practice Schools in the project audit each other © Elklan Training Ltd20

Step 5 Certificates and logo received Certification is valid for 3 years Communication Friendly Schools status can be renewed on submission of a further audit which is evaluated by a local Elklan tutor. © Elklan Training Ltd21

Outcomes to date….. 78 schools across the UK have a resource of trained staff both at teaching assistant and teacher level in SLCN 141 teaching assistants have achieved a level 3 qualification, 2 have achieved at level SENCO’s/teachers have achieved accreditation at level education and ancillary staff have received information via Elklan’s ‘Communication Counts’ course. © Elklan Training Ltd22

Outcomes to date…. 23 schools have achieved the coveted Elklan Communication Friendly Schools status! © Elklan Training Ltd23

Find out more…… Contact us to register your interest © Elklan Training Ltd