Podcasts

Headteacher Update Podcast: Speech, language & communication needs in the primary school

SLCN Inclusion EHCPs SENCOs SEND Vulnerable children Quality First Teaching Pedagogy
This episode offers ideas and practical advice for identifying and supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) in the primary school classroom
Common: Speech, language and communication needs are now the most common need for the 1.2 million pupils who are on SEN Support in England’s schools - Adobe Stock

SLCN are now the most common need for the 1.2 million pupils who are on SEN Support in England’s schools – and the evidence tells us that there will be many more who are going undiagnosed.

The podcast features two SENCOs and a speech and language therapist who offer advice for school leadership teams (especially SENCOs) and classroom teachers.

We consider the prevalence and impact of SLCN on pupil outcomes and the extent to which these needs fly under the radar. We look at common signs for SLCN and how SENCOs and teachers can work together to pick these up.

We also discuss the overlap between SLCN and other common issues, including SEMH, the impact on friendships and social interaction, challenging behaviours, poor attendance and more.

And we discuss lots of in-class techniques and interventions to support these pupils, as well as wider support and intervetions, and other examples of good practice from our guests’ schools.

This episode has been produced in partnership with our friends at Speech and Language Link.

The episode is hosted by Pete Henshaw, the editor of Headteacher Update. His guests are:

  • Kate Freeman is a speech and language therapist who works as a consultant specialising in speech and language in education with Speech & Language Link.
  • Ginny Bootman is an experienced teacher and SENDCO with responsibility for four primary schools. Ginny is a regular speaker at national SEND conferences and is the author of Independent Thinking on Being a SENDCO: 113 tips for building relationships, saving time and changing lives (2023).
  • Grace Maguire is the SENDCO at Loughborough Primary School in south London.

This episode complements a recent podcast focused on managing SEN across the primary school. This aired in March 2025 and was also produced in partnership with Speech and Language Link. Find this via www.headteacher-update.com/content/podcasts/headteacher-update-podcast-managing-sen-in-the-primary-school 

To hear other Headteacher Update podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'The Headteacher Update Podcast' in your podcast streaming application of choice. Or visit www.headteacher-update.com/content/podcasts 

For details about The Headteacher Update Podcast, or to suggest future topics, email editor Pete Henshaw at pete.henshaw@markallengroup.com