Guidance

SEND training for schools: speech, language and communication

Training materials on strategies for supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs in mainstream schools.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 24 September 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Introduction to speech, language and communication: facilitator guidance

MS Word Document, 451 KB

Introduction to speech, language and communication: slide deck

MS PowerPoint Presentation, 944 KB

Speech, language and communication evidence summary

MS Word Document, 1.05 MB

Speech, language and communication evidence summary PDF

PDF, 823 KB, 29 pages

Speech, language and communication sense-making session: facilitator guidance

MS Word Document, 1.03 MB

Speech, language and communication sense-making session: slide deck

MS PowerPoint Presentation, 1.86 MB

Details

These materials are designed to train all teaching staff and teaching assistants, in mainstream primary and secondary schools, on methods for supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN).

The training focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies.  

These resources cover:

• the role speech, language and communication play in learning
• challenges in the classroom
• inclusive teaching principles for supporting all pupils, particularly with SLCN
• practical examples, scenarios for analysis and questions for reflection

The materials can be used in conjunction with the full package of SEND and inclusion training for schools.

Published 24 September 2026