Apr 22
Research invitation
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An opportunity to take part in research into how early education staff gain knowledge about speech, language, and communication skills. There will be a chance to win one of five £30 Amazon vouchers and contribute to a valuable piece of research.
At Speech and Language UK, we are always trying to improve ways we engage with other professionals and would like to know more about how early years education staff learn about children’s speech, language and communication skills.
Our colleague, Amanda Griffiths, is a speech and language therapist and Speech and Language UK advisor undertaking research as part of her Doctorate in Education at the Institute of Education. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to find out more about your experiences.
Taking part in the research means completing a short online survey (15 to 20 minutes). If you wish, you can also opt in to an informal interview with Amanda so she can find out more about your experiences. The interview takes up to 45 minutes on Microsoft Teams and is a conversation where you can tell her about your personal and professional experiences that influence how you think about children’s speech, language and communication skills, for example, you may know a child at work or at home whose speech and language challenges has prompted you to find out more; you may have had previous training, or you may have had no training at all.
If you or anyone you know would like to take part you can:
- Email Amanda directly at amanda.griffiths@speechandlanguage.org.uk
- Or scan here to access more information and the survey.
This is your opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences.
Opting-in to take part in this research is voluntary. All information you choose to share is confidential. Your pre-school or school and Speech and Language UK will not know if you take part unless you choose to tell them. Speech and Language UK’s privacy and data protection policies can be found at https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/privacy-policy/privacy-notices/.
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Contact Us
Speech and Language UK
Unit A The Cube Building
17-21 Wenlock Road
London
N1 7GT
Unit A The Cube Building
17-21 Wenlock Road
London
N1 7GT
General enquiries
020 7843 2510
info@speechandlanguage.org.uk
Media enquiries
media@speechandlanguage.org.uk
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Speech and Language UK is the operating name of I CAN Charity, a registered charity in England and Wales (210031) and Scotland (SC039947), which is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (00099629). Registered address: Unit A The Cube Building 17-21 Wenlock Road London N1 7GT
With thanks to our late patron the late Queen Elizabeth II
The skills discovery tool may recommend training, resources and organisations that can help you develop your knowledge and skills. Before investing your time or resources, consider whether a course, programme or approach is right for you and the children and young people you support.
When considering training or an approach, ask yourself:
- Is it based on current research and evidence?
- Are the claims realistic and proportionate?
- Are the trainers suitably qualified and experienced?
- Can the approach be adapted to different children, young people and contexts?
- Does it encourage professional judgement rather than promoting a single solution for every child, young person or situation?
Be cautious if training or an approach:
- promises quick, guaranteed or dramatic results
- claims to work for every child or young person
- relies mainly on testimonials, social media popularity, influencer endorsements or personal stories rather than evidence
- discourages questions, critical discussion or scrutiny
- lacks transparency about qualifications, costs, evidence or outcomes.
Use your professional judgement, review the evidence and always consider whether an approach is appropriate for the children and young people you support.
What Works database
If you want to explore the evidence behind speech, language and communication programmes, we recommend using our What works database.
It brings together information about a wide range of programmes and approaches and summarises the evidence available for each one.
Endorsed by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, our What Works database can help you make evidence-informed decisions.
The database does not tell you which programme to choose. Instead, it helps you understand the available evidence so you can combine it with your professional judgement and knowledge of the child or young person.
Formal training is only one way to develop your knowledge, skills and confidence. You can also learn through:
- observing or shadowing colleagues, including speech and language therapists
- coaching, mentoring and peer support
- supervision, appraisal and professional discussions
- reflecting on your practice through activities such as:
- recording yourself (with appropriate consent)
- keeping a reflective journal
- seeking feedback from colleagues, children, young people and families
- professional networks and multi-agency working
- reading professional guidance, research and evidence-informed resources
- applying new learning in practice and reviewing its impact.
The most effective professional development often combines formal training with opportunities to practise, reflect, receive feedback and learn from others.