Words First Ltd

04/12/2025

We are excited to share the final video in this 3-part Shine a Spotlight Specialist Series:

🎥 Why We Communicate: Reasons for Communication - now live: https://youtu.be/mouDcFpIMCI

Communication is so much more than talking. It is how children connect, share experiences, and make sense of their world. In this final instalment of our three-part parent series, our Speech and Language Therapy team explore the reasons children communicate, and how everyday moments can be used to support meaningful interaction.

You’ll learn:
✨ Why communication is about connection, not just words
✨ How to recognise and respond to early communication attempts
✨ Simple strategies to build confidence and motivation
✨ Practical ways to create communication opportunities at home

A special thank you to Lee Lampen, our SaLT, for leading this video and for her thoughtful contributions to the entire series.

This video concludes our Words First Specialist Spotlight Series, created to support IDP Working in Education: Shared Understanding, Strong Collaboration. Each video offers practical, evidence-based guidance to help children thrive at home and in school.

Communication is about more than just words — it’s how we connect, share, and understand each other. In this final video of our three-part parent series, we ...

01/12/2025

What a night ✨
Our end of year party brought all the sparkle, all the laughs and all the festive energy.

Thames views, great food, mystery gifts and the best company.
Another evening that showed the real magic of our Words First community.

Here’s to this incredible team and everything we achieved this year 🥂

01/12/2025

Our end of year party was an absolute hit. The team arrived in full sparkle mode ✨ ready for festive cheer, mystery gifts and plenty of laughs. After a year of hard work and real impact, it was briliant to celebrate together.

With Thames views from Doggett’s Coat and Badge, great food and nonstop chatter, it was another evening that really showed the magic of our Words First community - the kind of night that reminds us why this team is so special.

Here’s to all of you for your dedication, your brilliance and the difference you make every single day. What a team! Cheers 🥂

28/11/2025

🌟 We are excited to release the next video in our Shine a Spotlight Specialist Series:

🎥 A Parent’s Guide to Developing Communication Skills Through Play

Play is more than just fun. It helps children explore, connect and communicate. In this video, our wonderful SaLT, Lee, explains how parents can use play to build speech, language and confidence every day.

You’ll discover:
✨ Why play is key to language and learning
✨ How to follow your child’s lead
✨ Simple ways to build communication naturally through play

Here are five easy tips you can try today:
✅ Get down to your child’s level
✅ Follow their lead
✅ Comment instead of question
✅ Reduce instructions
✅ Make it fun

This video is part of our Words First Spotlight Video Series on IDP Working in Education: Shared Understanding, Strong Collaboration. It is full of practical, evidence-based advice to help children thrive at home and in school.

Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBj8_jUL83w

Play isn’t just fun — it’s how children learn about the world and develop essential communication, social, and thinking skills. In this video, we explore how...

26/11/2025

Two weddings in one weekend - what a happy time for the Words First community. Our lovely therapists, Liv and Sanzida, both celebrated their marriages recently, and we are thrilled for them.

Liv’s photo captures the friendships that grow within our team. Four Words First therapists were right there to celebrate with her. They met at Words First and have become part of her life far beyond work.

We are also delighted to share this beautiful photo of Sanzida on her special day. A huge congratulations to her as she begins this exciting new chapter.

Moments like these show exactly why we say our team is more than colleagues. Real, lasting friendships and a shared sense of purpose are part of what make Words First such a special place to work.

Congratulations, Liv and Sanzida ❤️

21/11/2025

Today we celebrate a tremendous milestone!

Mary Thompson joined us exactly ten years ago as a Newly Qualified Speech and Language Therapist, and over the past decade she has grown into a talented Dyslexia Specialist who now leads our Dyslexia Pathway.

Mary’s commitment to children with literacy and language needs, her kindness and her steady dedication have made a lasting impact on our service. We are so proud to recognise her ten years with Words First.

Read her journey here:
https://wordsfirst.uk/10-years-mary-thompson-salt-dyslexia-specialist/

19/11/2025

We love celebrating our long-standing therapists and the impact they make.

Today we are sharing the story of how a newly qualified SaLT grew into our Band 7 Clinical Specialist for Speech Sound Disorders. Her work at Holbeach Primary School has strengthened support for staff, learners and families.

Read how Bryony's commitment, creativity and close collaboration helped shape whole-school practice.

Full blog here: https://wordsfirst.uk/bryony-holbeach-primary-school/

10/11/2025

🌟 We are proud to share the first video in our new Shine a Spotlight Specialist Series. Our amazing SaLT, Lee, explains how simple everyday routines can support early communication at home. Getting ready in the morning, making lunch, tidying up and even a trip to the shops are all chances for language learning.

Here are five easy ideas every family can try:
✅ Use verbal routines
✅ Talk about what you are doing and seeing
✅ Sing songs during daily tasks
✅ Repeat key words naturally
✅ Praise participation and effort

You do not need special toys or extra preparation. Daily life is full of opportunities to build your child’s language skills.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsA1BJqCxIA

In this video, we explore how simple, everyday moments can become powerful opportunities for language learning. You don’t need extra time, special toys, or f...

05/11/2025

Happy RCOT OT Week!
We’re marking this year’s theme - prevention and early intervention - by sharing our latest blog about the difference Occupational Therapists make when support starts early.

The blog looks at how Words First school-based OTs identify needs then provide strategies to work alongside teachers and families, helping children participate in school life with confidence.

Read more here: https://wordsfirst.uk/prevention-and-early-intervention-the-role-of-occupational-therapy-in-education

17/10/2025

💜 You Can’t See DLD

Developmental Language Disorder affects how children understand and use language, but it often goes unnoticed. Around two children in every classroom experience DLD - yet many go undiagnosed.

DLD isn’t caused by hearing loss or lack of exposure to language. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect learning, communication, and confidence.

Read our latest blog with Words First’s DLD specialist Mollie Gadd to learn how to recognise the signs and support children with DLD both at home and in school.

💛 https://wordsfirst.uk/developmental-language-disorder-2025/

10/10/2025

How can schools better support students with ADHD? 🧠

This October - ADHD Awareness Month - we’re offering practical tips that teachers and staff can start using tomorrow:

• Simplify visuals
• Plan regulation breaks
• Support sensory needs

See the full guide and learn more on our blog: https://wordsfirst.uk/adhd-awareness-month-2025/

09/10/2025

It’s Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025!

This year’s theme, “Raise the Volume,” encourages us to listen to and celebrate the voices of young people with dyslexia.

Our Dyslexia Specialist Mary Thompson shares her reflections on supporting children to find their confidence and strengths - and we highlight inspiring role models like Jamie Oliver, Richard Branson, and Steven Spielberg, who’ve turned dyslexia into a strength.

👉 Read the full blog: https://wordsfirst.uk/dyslexia-awareness-week-2025-raise-the-volume/