Empowering Staff to Support Communication and Language Needs: Elklan Training at Mill School Bury
At Mill School Bury, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students. As part of our professional development focus, staff recently participated in Elklan training—a specialised program adapted from Elklan’s ‘Communication and Language Support for Autistic Pupils’ course.
The training provided our team with practical strategies to better understand and meet the needs of students with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCNs). Key areas covered included:
- Communication and Visual Support Strategies
- Strategies to Improve Listening and Attention
- Understanding the Blank Language Scheme and its relevance in supporting Autistic pupils’ communication
- Developing Vocabulary, particularly around emotions, to enhance emotional regulation
The impact of this training is significant. With this new knowledge, teaching staff are now better equipped to:
- Address SLCNs at both universal and targeted levels of support
- Share a unified approach and language with the Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) team
- Effectively support students’ behaviours of concern through improved communication strategies
Additionally, the training will support school leaders in ensuring that SLCNs are being met consistently during learning walks and lesson observations. Tools such as the ‘Individualised Support Checklist’ empower staff to reflect on and adapt approaches in key areas, including:
- Physical Environment
- Social and Emotional Well-Being
- Sensory Needs
- Appropriate Level of Demand
By embedding these strategies across classrooms and the wider school environment, Mill School Bury continues to create a space where every student’s communication and emotional needs are understood and supported.