Elklan

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

11/03/2026

20% off Elklan resources and e-learning

For a limited time, we are offering 20% off selected resources in the Elklan shop and all standalone e-learning sessions.

Created by speech and language therapists and specialist teachers, our resources and training are designed to help you support children and young people with speech, language and communication needs with practical strategies you can use straight away.

If you are a school or setting with remaining funding before the end of the financial year, this could also be a great opportunity to make the most of it.

Offer ends 31 March.

Explore the resources here 👇

https://elklan.co.uk/Shop/20percent/?eac=7BA937BDB27415E6194D

22/01/2026

As speech, language and communication needs continue to rise, many parents and practitioners are asking why.

In our latest blog, we explore the possible links between technology use and early communication development, considering how interaction, play and attention skills support children’s communication. It offers thoughtful reflection and practical insight for anyone supporting young children.

Read the blog here:

This blog explores the possible links between technology use and the rise in speech, language and communication needs, focusing on the importance of interaction, play and early communication development.

19/01/2026

New HLCP courses starting this September!

We are excited to announce that new cohorts for the Elklan HLCP Programme will be starting this September.

The HLCP Programme supports Teaching Assistants and Early Years Practitioners to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) - an area that underpins learning, behaviour and wellbeing in every classroom.

💡 Why HLCP matters for schools and settings
• Builds confident staff who can deliver targeted SLCN support
• Strengthens collaboration with Speech and Language Therapists
• Improves consistency and quality of provision across the setting
• Demonstrates a clear commitment to inclusive practice and outcomes

HLCP is a nationally recognised qualification that goes beyond one-off CPD. It helps settings grow internal expertise, reduce pressure on specialist services, and make a measurable difference for children who need support to communicate and learn.

📅 Courses start in September
🎓 Ideal for TAs, EY practitioners and staff supporting children with SLCN

Find out more and secure a place for your setting:

HLCP - Higher Level Communication Practitioner award

19/01/2026

Screen time and under-fives - new guidance on the way!

The government will publish its first official guidance on screen time for children under five this April.

Recent research shows that almost all children under two are using screens daily, and those with the highest screen use are using fewer words and finding it harder to concentrate and hold conversations. For children who learn best through interaction, play and shared attention, this matters.

Importantly, the guidance aims to help parents think about how screens are used, not whether they should be used at all – and to offer practical alternatives to screen time.

As the article highlights, screens are now part of family life. The key question is how we can support children’s communication, language and learning alongside them.

Read the full article here:

Children who spend the most time on devices or in front of screens find conversation and learning harder, the government says.

22/12/2025

🎄 Merry Christmas from all of us at Elklan 🎄
(Some of the team pictured at our Christmas party)

As the year comes to a close, we just want to say thank you for being part of the Elklan community.

Whether you’re supporting children and young people in schools, settings, centres or at home, the work you do to support speech, language and communication truly matters.

We hope you’re able to enjoy a restful break, spend time with the people you love, and head into the new year feeling refreshed.

Thank you for being here with us, and for everything you do.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year 💛

12/12/2025

Exciting news for Teaching Assistants!

If you want to support speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), there are two new funded Level 5 apprenticeship options now available for both primary and secondary TAs.

These include:

✨ A Speech, Language and Communications Leadership Programme to build deeper knowledge and leadership skills in supporting SLCN, which includes the nationally accredited HLCP award.

✨ A Level 5 Specialist Teaching Assistant apprenticeship, allowing primary and secondary TAs to gain Elklan’s Level 3 in Speech and Language Support for 5-11s or 11-16s.

Find out what’s included and how to apply here:

Instant access to inspirational lesson plans, schemes of work, assessment, interactive activities, resource packs, PowerPoints, teaching ideas at Twinkl!