For Schools

Supporting Primary aged children to develop communication, confidence, oracy and wellbeing.

Increasing numbers of children are starting school life with communication difficulties. It is estimated that 20% of children and young people in the UK, a total of 1.9 million, are struggling with talking and/or understanding words.

This report Listening to unheard children identifies the problem and potential solutions.

‘Every child achieving and thriving’

Speech Bubbles supports schools to meet emerging national educational priorities by:

developing oracy as a foundation for learning across the curriculum
supporting inclusive participation for children with speech, language and communication needs
contributing to a broader curriculum through high‑quality enrichment strengthening engagement, confidence and wellbeing in Key Stage 1

Find out what Teaching staff are saying about Speech Bubbles in 2024:

Some thoughts on how Speech Bubbles works in school from teaching staff.

Why Speech Bubbles?

Speech Bubbles is a joyful creative intervention that uses drama activities, story-telling and imaginative play to support children to develop communication, confidence and wellbeing.

a child struggles to understand a teacher's instructions — More than 83% of participating children show improvements in learning, speaking and listening

Source: Annual Teacher Report

children play football happily together — Participants show statistically significant improvements in social interaction

Source: University of East London

a child looks sadly out of a window — Highly effective in supporting children suffering poor social, emotional and educational wellbeing

Source: Canterbury Christ Church University

How it works

In Speech Bubbles sessions a drama practitioner works with a member of your school support staff to create a safe and playful space. The story drama approach places the child at the centre of the activity, and they become at different times, author, performer and audience.

Click to watch: Which children to refer to Speech Bubbles

The Programme includes:

Weekly drama sessions for 20 referred children with a professional drama practitioner
Easy to use online assessment system. This produces an impact report for your school great for reporting to governors and OFSTED
All resource materials
Excellent evidence of impact

Plus a 90 minute practical workshop for all staff ‘Inclusive Oracy; Drama tools for Great communication’