The Link Live 2024 - Event Round-Up
The Link Live 2024 online event had over 800 delegates sign up to explore practical strategies and innovative tools for improving speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) support in education. Here are the key insights from the event:
Speech, Language, and Communication: The Building Blocks of Oracy
The event reinforced that speech, language, and communication are the building blocks of oracy, playing a crucial role in learning, social interaction, and personal development.
Recognising the Role of SENCos and TAs
The essential contributions of SENCos and TAs were highlighted, with a focus on ways to better support them through effective tools, training, and resources.
Powerful Analogies
Jean Gross used a football net analogy to illustrate how some children’s experiences lead to gaps in vocabulary development, while Gary Aubin likened inclusive support to automatic doors—helping everyone, but especially those in need.
Celebrating Success and Evidence-Based Practices
Delegates were encouraged to recognise and celebrate effective strategies while prioritising evidence-based approaches, such as those supported by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF). The importance of standardised assessments for screening and tracking progress was also emphasised.
Practical Strategies for SLC Support
Speakers shared practical approaches to supporting speech and language development, including:
Effective screening and progress monitoring tools.
Differentiating types of talk and addressing the “Matthew Effect,” where vocabulary gaps widen over time.
Using Speech & Language Link tools to enhance vocabulary and phonological awareness, including the new Little Link programme.
A Whole-School Approach to SLCN
The importance of adopting a whole-school approach to SLCN support was a recurring theme, with a focus on encouraging meaningful interaction both in and out of the classroom.
Supporting Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
The connection between SLCN and social, emotional, and mental health was explored, particularly in secondary schools. The significant impact of conditions like Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) on young people and their families was also a key topic.
Inclusivity and Accessibility in Education
There was a strong emphasis on fostering inclusivity, with strategies such as communication passports to support students who face difficulties with traditional communication methods.
Behaviour Change for Better Outcomes
It was highlighted that supporting SLCN often requires behaviour change at both individual and systemic levels, with tailored strategies to drive meaningful improvements.
Missed The Link Live? Catch Up On-Demand!
If you couldn't join us for The Link Live, don't worry—you can still catch all the sessions on-demand over the next 12 months through The Link Community.
Gary Aubin's and Jess Gross's insightful presentations are already available to watch, with more content being added soon.
Sign up for free today and access these invaluable resources here.
Take the Next Step with Link CPD
The Link Live event provided invaluable CPD focused on supporting speech, language, and communication needs. If you're looking for further professional development, our Link CPD online courses could be the perfect fit.
Written and delivered by our team of expert speech and language therapists, these innovative courses offer tailored individual feedback and clear, comprehensive guidance for primary school staff. They are designed to deepen understanding and provide practical strategies for developing SLC skills in the classroom.
We currently offer two accredited modules:
Introduction to Speech and Language
Language Intervention
Each module costs £225+VAT per person, is accredited by CPD UK, and provides 15–20 hours of training, taken over 8–10 weeks depending on your pace.
To find out more about Link CPD and receive 10% off modules starting this academic year, sign up to our free Link Community, an online SLCN resource hub, here.