We have extensive experience working with schools to achieve maximum, long term impact for children with speech, language, literacy and communication difficulties. Our vision, our ethos and our values as a Company and as a school must align in order for us to work together and provide the most effective service. We like working with schools that facilitate our work from the top down. Here’s what we look for and what you can expect from Words First
SENCOs and Head Teachers who are active participants in improving language and communication across their school
Schools that understand impact can be measured in lots of different ways While we love data and numbers, what we do is not always measured in numbers. We love working with schools that understand impact can be measured in lots of different ways
Schools that ask us questions and hold us accountable
Schools that make our therapists feel welcome and part of their team
SENCOs who contact us immediately, should problems arise and discuss solutions and changes if needed
Schools that believe in collaboration and sharing knowledge. We thrive on being asked to give workshops and presentations in schools. Sharing knowledge and learning from each other is what we love
Schools where Amanda knows each SENCO by name. She enjoys getting to know you (even if it’s over email or Zoom) and values regular feedback
Consistency – while we can’t guarantee that our therapists will not move on, we do everything possible to ensure your Speech and Language Therapist is well cared for and happy in her/his role. We have a ‘team around the therapist’ approach to ensure your Speech and Language Therapist feel fulfilled and valued in her/his role
Guidance – whether we’re taking over from another independent pracititoner, or the NHS, or we’re starting from scratch, Words First will offer expert opinions and ideas that will help transform SLCN and SEN in your school
You’re never alone – should your therapist decide to move on from Words First, Amanda will personally be in touch, find a replacement and arrange a smooth transition
Specialisms – one therapist can’t have all the answers. Your therapist has access to a wide range of clinical specialisms within our team. Therefore, YOU have access to these specialisms too and together, we can support (or signpost you) in almost all areas of Speech and Language, Literacy and Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy – we are proud to have two Occupational Therapists on our team. We share, we learn and we grow together so that all our schools and families can benefit from that collaboration
Flexibility – we will guide you with certain decisions but your Words First SaLT will always do her/his best to accommodate last minute requests
Research base – nothing gets in without passing the toughest fidelity measures
Resources – at Words First, we create, from scratch and with a team of professional designers, our very own resources. This means we own the copyright and can distribute the resources freely within our schools. All the resources you see in our SHOP section, are available to our schools free of charge – you don’t pay any extra for this!
We take all the stress out of performance management, sick leave and annual leave, clinical supervision and professional development – again, you don’t pay extra for this!
If you think we have what you’re looking for, then please contact Amanda to discuss your needs Amanda@wordsfirst.co.uk
