For Schools

Supporting KS1 children to develop communication, confidence 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.

“Speech Bubbles’ approach places play and joy at the centre of the creative learning experience. It hands power over to the children to develop content of the sessions in a safe and supportive environment. This sense of ownership and team working is central to building the confidence of the children to communicate effectively.”

— Deputy Head

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.

More than 83% of participating children show improvements in learning, speaking and listening

Source: Annual Teacher Report

Participants show statistically significant improvements in social interaction

Source: University of East London

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:

CPD certified training for school staff
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

I would like Speech Bubbles in my school

Get in touch

or learn more about speech, language and communication needs.

Happiness matters and it matters hugely to learning. In England today however, it is clear that many children do not have positive experiences of school. Significant numbers feel un-connected, unconfident, and unhappy. This study looks at the impact of Speech Bubbles especially on Teaching Assistants who are often the staff giving emotional support in school to pupils.