Elklan

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.

23/03/2026

‼️Last chance to book‼️Please share with parents.

One-time special offer for parents! Our Let’s Talk with Under 5s course is now just £75 + VAT (usually £200 + VAT)

That’s a huge saving of £125 for practical, expert support you can start using straight away.

Delivered by a Speech and Language Therapist, this course will give you the confidence and strategies to support your child’s speech, language and communication at home.

Designed for parents of children from birth to five, you’ll learn simple, effective ways to boost communication through everyday interactions.

📅 Starts next week - Wednesday 25th March at 7:00pm

Places are limited and this price won’t be repeated.

View course and book here 👇🏼
https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/learners?eac=90B0BCAD2B26CEAE6A43&b=6264a048

20/03/2026

One-time special offer for parents!

Our Let’s Talk with Under 5s course is now just £75 + VAT (usually £200 + VAT)

That’s a huge saving of £125 for practical, expert support you can start using straight away.

Delivered by a Speech and Language Therapist, this course will give you the confidence and strategies to support your child’s speech, language and communication at home.

Designed for parents of children from birth to five, you’ll learn simple, effective ways to boost communication through everyday interactions.

📅 Starts next week - Wednesday 25th March at 7:00pm

Places are limited and this price won’t be repeated.

View course and book here 👇🏼

https://elklan.co.uk/Apply/learners?eac=90B0BCAD2B26CEAE6A43&b=6264a048

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!

10/12/2025

Is speech, language and communication a priority for development in your setting or school?

Are you looking for a long-term, sustainable approach that leads to real impact for children with SLCN?

The new Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) qualification is designed to do exactly that.

Developed by speech and language therapists and specialist teachers, the HLCP role empowers practitioners to bridge the gap between everyday practice and specialist support. It strengthens provision, builds staff confidence, and ensures children and young people receive consistent, high-quality input for their speech, language and communication development.

Want to see what this looks like in action?

Hear from Headteachers, SENCOs and HLCPs about the difference this role is making across early years settings and schools: https://vimeo.com/1128179377/30ab60b572

More information on HLCP here: https://www.elklan.co.uk/HLCP

Hear feedback from Headteachers, SENCO's and HLCPs about the impact the role of the HLCP is having on the Speech, Language and Communication provision in schools/settings

03/12/2025

Are you a Speech and Language Therapist working with schools or Early Years settings?

Have you heard about the new Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) qualification?

The HLCP Award is already strengthening and supporting Speech and Language Therapy services across the UK. By upskilling TAs and Early Years Practitioners, it creates confident, knowledgeable staff who can help you deliver high quality SLCN support day to day.

The impact? More consistent provision, better collaboration and improved outcomes for children with SLCN.

Hear what Speech and Language therapists are saying as a result of working with HLCPs: https://vimeo.com/1116703625/b72272f161?fl=tl&fe=ec

More information on HLCP here: https://www.elklan.co.uk/HLCP/

This is "How HLCP's are supporting Speech and Language Therapists" by Henrietta McLachlan on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people…