Commtap launches resource packs for children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)
A new set of 60 resource packs are being made freely available for SLTs, schools and parents between now and August 2023 to support early progress with speech, language and communication targets. Commtap, a not-for-profit community interest company, has launched the first wave of free online activity packs and supporting videos to help children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). There are free online activity packs for Early Years and Primary schools.
In total, 60 packs and a range of supporting videos will be made available periodically between now and August 2023. Authored by speech and language therapist Louise Ryves, the resources will help meet a growing need to ensure speech and language therapists (SALTs), school staff and families can meet children’s communication needs as early as possible. Through structured and daily activities that model a ‘little and often’ approach, the packs have been developed to build children’s confidence, reduce frustrations and make progress with speech, language and communication targets.
Louise Ryves, Speech and Language Therapist at Commtap, says: “Speech, language and communication needs can have significant knock-on impacts on children’s learning, friendships and mental health. At Commtap, we believe that developing communication skills is a human right and we are committed to offering free speech, language and communication resources as part of our wider work in this space. These resource packs are available online to download for individuals and teams who support children with SLCN enabling them to provide structured speech, language and communication support. We’ve designed these packs to build children’s confidence through easy to follow and engaging activities that support everyday communication.”
Funded by the Communication Consortium (hosted by Speech and Language UK), the online activity packs focus on speech (development of sounds) and language (concepts), offering access to:
- 50 speech sound packs and 10 packs on additional language concepts.
- A wide variety of activities and ideas, with printable resources and colour coding, to support working towards achieving speech, language and communication targets.
- Structured packs with easy to follow, step-by step activities and explanations that encourage learning at the child’s pace.
- Practical activities including advice on how to incorporate learning into general conversations and daily routines.
- Record sheets that monitor children’s progress and a certificate for completing the pack. Free online videos providing extra guidance and modelling how to use each pack, including demonstrations of different activities.
- Information and frequently asked questions to support using the resource packs.
- Guidance on when to seek further help and support from a speech and language therapist.
