Speech & Language
At St Peter’s, we are committed to supporting the speech, language and communication development of all our pupils from the very start of their school journey.
All pupils are screened on entry to school using the WellComm Speech and Language Toolkit to help identify strengths, areas for development and any additional support that may be needed. WellComm is a recognised screening and support programme which helps staff assess children’s understanding of language, listening skills and spoken communication in a fun and child-friendly way.
We work closely with NHS Speech & Language Therapy team and additionally a private Speech and Language Therapist (Speech Leap), who regularly screens pupils, provides advice and support for parents/carers and staff, and delivers targeted blocks of therapy where appropriate. This ensures children receive the right support at the earliest opportunity.
Our approach focuses on early intervention, helping children to develop confidence, communication skills and the language they need to access learning and thrive both socially and academically. We value strong partnerships with families and believe that working together gives every child the best opportunity to succeed.
How Parents and Carers Can Help at Home
There are many simple ways families can support children’s speech and language development at home, including:
- Talking together regularly about everyday activities
- Reading stories and sharing books every day
- Singing songs and nursery rhymes
- Playing games that encourage listening and turn-taking
- Giving children time to answer questions without rushing them
- Modelling clear language and introducing new vocabulary naturally
- Limiting background noise, such as televisions or tablets, during conversations
- Encouraging children to express their ideas, feelings and needs confidently
If you have any queries or concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication development, please speak to your child’s class teacher or our school SENDCo (Miss Connolly)