Elklan

27/05/2026

Some children are not ignoring instructions.

They may be processing a lot of language at once.

In busy classrooms, children can be:
• processing spoken language
• filtering background noise
• remembering information
• watching what others are doing
• managing multiple communication demands at the same time

When language demands are high, understanding instructions can become harder.

Small changes to adult communication can reduce pressure and support understanding.

This carousel shares a few simple ways to make classroom instructions easier to process.

Comment SUPPORT to receive our free resource:
“6 ways to make instructions easier to process.”

Save this for later or share with someone supporting children with SLCN.

19/05/2026

One of the simplest changes adults can make is allowing more processing time.

When a child doesn’t respond straight away, it’s easy to assume they:

- weren’t listening
- don’t know the answer
- are distracted
- need the question repeated

But many children are still processing the language they’ve heard.

Repeating, rewording or adding more language too quickly can actually increase the pressure and make it harder to respond.

A short pause can make a big difference.

Especially for children with speech, language and communication needs, processing time matters.

Sometimes support looks less like “doing more” and more like slowing down.

This is something explored beautifully in Please Wait For Me - a children’s book that helps adults and children understand what processing differences can feel like from the child’s perspective.

https://elklan.co.uk/Shop/Please_Wait_For_Me?eac=7F4ECB878BC2F72C949A

What strategies have you found helpful for reducing communication pressure in the classroom?

18/05/2026

You already have the expertise.

Becoming an Elklan Tutor gives you the opportunity to share it more widely.

Every time you train a teacher, teaching assistant, practitioner or parent, you help more children access better communication support in everyday life.

Our Total Training Pack is designed for busy professionals and gives you everything you need to start delivering Elklan’s accredited courses.

If you’re a Speech and Language Therapist, Educational Psychologist or Specialist Advisory Teacher working across settings, this could be the next step in growing your impact.

Comment TUTOR if you'd like to find out more and we will send you information on how to get started. Or click the link below:

https://elklan.co.uk/Training/Tutors/?eac=024DE9027F53D9739B66

08/05/2026

Limited spaces available for our next Makaton Taster Session 👋

Thinking about learning Makaton?

Our online Makaton Taster Session is a great first step for anyone interested in supporting communication through signs and symbols.

During this interactive workshop, you’ll:
• Learn up to 46 signs and symbols
• Gain experience using Makaton in everyday situations
• Build confidence in a supportive environment

🗓 Tuesday 12th May 2026
⏰ 9:30 am - 11:00 am
💷 £17.50 + VAT per person

The session is designed as an introduction to the Makaton Language Programme and can be followed up with a Level 1 Workshop.

Perfect for practitioners, school staff, parents and carers.

Book your place today 👇
https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/learners?eac=D637E31A1F0F7C97072A&b=9cda5f5e

20/04/2026

It’s been great to work alongside Twinkl this month, sharing more about the HLCP role and what it can open up for teaching assistants.

If you’ve ever wondered what that next step in speech and language support could look like, Becky’s journey is well worth a read. It gives a real sense of how this role develops in practice.

And it’s been brilliant to see so many TAs already signing up to learn more at the Twinkl CPD event this evening.

Take a look at the post below for the workshop and blog details.

We’re excited to be collaborating with Elklan Training Ltd this April to learn more about the HLCP role.

If you’re looking to grow your career in speech and language support, there are two great ways to find out more:

1️⃣ Join our TA Workshop: Understanding the Role of the New Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP), led by Beth Devereux from Elklan Training Ltd. Monday 20th April at 7pm. https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/swxmv

2️⃣ Read our guest blog: Follow Becky’s inspiring journey from classroom TA to specialist HLCP to see what the role is really like! https://www.twinkl.co.uk/l/iizf6

🔥 Over 500 TAs have already booked! We’ve released more tickets due to high demand, so don’t miss out.

16/04/2026

Many people don’t realise how common speech, language and communication needs are.

In every classroom, every setting, there will be children who are finding communication harder than it looks.

Not all of them will have a diagnosis.
Not all differences will be visible straight away

But they’re there.

And the way we communicate with children every day really matters.

Small things like:
-giving them time to respond
-keeping language clear and simple
-making space for real conversation

These moments add up.

They can make the difference between a child feeling lost… or feeling understood.

The more we understand how speech and language develop, the easier it is to support children in a way that really helps.

Which one do you find makes the biggest difference?

15/04/2026

People often ask, “What can I actually do to help?”

The good news is, it doesn’t have to be complicated.

It’s the small, everyday moments that build communication.

Here are 5 simple things that really make a difference:

-Be an active listener
Get down to their level. Show you’re interested. Leave space for them to finish.

-Make time to chat every day
It doesn’t need to be long. A few minutes with no distractions is enough.

-Use clear, simple language
Keep your sentences short. It makes it easier for children to understand and join in.

-Be patient and encouraging
Give them time to find their words. Try not to jump in too quickly.

-Share stories and experiences
Talking about what’s happened helps children learn how conversations work.

None of these need extra resources.
They just need time, attention and a bit of intention.

Which one do you find makes the biggest difference?

08/04/2026

A brilliant example of how we can raise awareness of speech and language needs through storytelling 💬

This local story shares how author Alice Brand has created a children’s book to help young readers understand speech and language differences.

When children understand why someone might communicate differently, it can:

- Reduce misunderstandings
- Support friendships
- Build empathy and inclusion

Stories like this don’t just support children with SLCN - they help create more communication-friendly classrooms for everyone.

A great reminder that small changes, like the books we share, can have a big impact.

Read more here 👇
https://www.braintreeandwithamtimes.co.uk/news/25985253.childrens-book-teaches-speech-language-needs/

Available to purchase in the Elklan shop here: https://elklan.co.uk/Shop/Please_Wait_For_Me?eac=7F4ECB878BC2F72C949A

A primary school’s speech and language mentor is publishing her first children’s book to educate youngsters about speech and language needs.

27/03/2026

From classroom TA to Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) - Becky Davis shares her inspiring journey into a specialist speech and language role.

After discovering a passion for supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), Becky developed her skills through Elklan training and now leads speech and language support in her primary school.

In her role, she:
🔶Works closely with Speech and Language Therapists and SENCOs
🔶Supports children 1:1 and in groups
🔶Helps staff embed strategies in the classroom
🔶Identifies and supports children with SLCN early

Her story highlights just how vital TAs, LSAs and HLTAs are in helping children communicate and thrive.

“It’s been an unexpected journey but one that I am passionate about continuing.”

If you’re thinking about developing your skills in speech and language support, this is a must-read.

Read the full article and explore HLCP pathways 👇

Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) Becky Davis shares her career progression from classroom teaching assistant, specialist Elklan training and what a typical day of Speech & Language support involves in a primary school setting.

16/03/2026

FREE Q&A: Creating SEMH Aware Settings

If you support children or young people with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and want to know more about how your school or setting can become an accredited Elklan SEMH Aware Setting, this free webinar is for you!

Our new Creating SEMH Aware Settings programme provides staff in your setting with enhanced knowledge of the links between SLCN and SEMH and delivers key strategies to support communication and wellbeing.

Click on one of the Q&A webinar dates below to find out more about the programme and book your free place today!

Tues 24th March at 7pm
https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/event?eac=7FBB0C870082909EB3CA&b=a327988d
Weds 25th March at 3:30pm
https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/event?eac=7FBB0C870082909EB3CA&b=b488b19f
Thurs 26th March at 12:30pm
https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/event?eac=7FBB0C870082909EB3CA&b=9a06b308