Primary Talk

Being a good communicator in primary school is key to the development of a child’s learning and thinking skills as well as social and emotional wellbeing. In some areas up to 50% of children will start school with delayed language skills. If a child struggles with speech and language in the classroom, they are at a major disadvantage. 

Primary Talk is a programme that supports the communication development of all children, including those with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and can help schools improve pupil outcomes.

We provide a package of training, mentoring and resources for school staff and accreditation of primary schools.   Available to local authorities, individual schools or clusters of schools, Primary Talk can be delivered directly by I CAN staff or we can train your trainers to deliver.

Available at 3 levels to suit your needs:

Level 1: Supportive/Universal level gives staff and schools the skills needed to create communication-supportive environments for all children and help to identify and refer on children who may need additional support.
Level 2: Enhanced level enables staff and schools to build on the support they already offer to all children and develop skills to support children with identified, mild and moderate SLCN.
Level 3: Specialist level develops the skills of individuals and services that work with children with severe and complex SLCN.

Primary Talk Accreditation

Accreditation supports and evaluates a whole school approach where skills and strategies for supporting children’s communication are embedded in staff practices and processes. 

You can apply for accreditation at three levels:

• Supportive
• Enhanced
• Specialist

In each case a school is visited to ensure that it meets the I CAN accreditation standards (see menu on the right) for good practice in relation to working with children at the chosen level. 

A school can be accredited directly by I CAN. Alternatively school clusters or Local Authorities may commission us to train and licence their own staff to accredit schools within their area.

Primary Talk mentoring and support

We can help your school prepare for accreditation by spending a day with you.  Or we can spend a day helping you with a specific area you’ve identified by providing a consultant on site (full day only, no half days or twilight sessions).