Supporting Speech and Language Needs in the Primary Classroom

A hands-on workshop equipping special education needs officers and teachers with practical, classroom-ready tools to support children with communication needs. Participants will build confidence in recognising and responding to common communication difficulties, e.g., selective mutism, articulation/phonology issues, receptive and expressive language needs, auditory processing challenges, stuttering, and social pragmatic differences. A simple, evidence-informed speech and language processing model will help teachers pinpoint where breakdowns occur in the cognitive chain and select targeted, low-lift supports. Expect short, clear concept anchors, realistic case vignettes and guided pod tasks—plus take-home materials you can use the next day. The day concludes with referral indicators, communication with family and building collaboration with other professionals (e.g., speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists).

Learning Outcomes

Participants will be able to:

• Develop a clear, beginner-friendly understanding of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in primary classrooms.
• Recognise key indicators across common communication difficulties and apply targeted, low-lift classroom supports with confidence.
• Strengthen collaboration with families and school professionals through effective communication and referral pathways

Key Competencies: What Will Participants Gain From This?

The workshop focuses on six core competencies:

• Student Needs Awareness - Greater sensitivity to how communication needs may affect learning and classroom participation.
• Inclusive Support Planning - Stronger ability to plan appropriate supports for students with diverse communication profiles.
• Adaptive Classroom Practice - Greater confidence in making practical adjustments to teaching, tasks, and classroom routines.
• Professional Judgement - Sharper judgement in deciding when to monitor, support, refer, or seek further assistance.
• Collaborative Communication - Improved ability to work constructively with families, colleagues, and allied professionals.
• Confidence in Classroom Response - Greater readiness to respond calmly and appropriately to common communication-related classroom situations.

Target Audience:

• Special Education Needs Officers in Primary Schools
• Any primary school teachers interested to learn more about how to support students with communication needs