Director of Education, @SpeechAndLangUK. Views are my own.

Totnes, Devon
Joined January 2009
"Some 1-in-5 children struggle with speech & language, often due to socioeconomic disadvantage, neurodivergence, or developmental language disorder. Here's what's needed": our @IPPR 'Talking Inclusion' podcast with @Jane_Harris77, CEO of @SpeechAndLangUK: podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcas…
6
2
13
3,250
The first objective of any reform to the SEND system is to improve outcomes for children who have been let down for far too long. We're listening and we're acting. We will build a support-first system where every child can achieve and thrive.
357
57
34
230
60,775
In September, I'll be running The Big Half to support @SpeechAndLangUK , a charity helping CYP with speech, language and communication needs. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. #Fundraising #HalfMarathon justgiving.com/page/cecilia-…
2
3
282
We know good practice that properly supports children with SEND exists, but for far too many families that’s not their experience. We must spread the best practice and build excellence for every child, everywhere. A better system is possible. Great to speak with @DCPcampaign
256
53
15
210
29,659
Thank you Baroness @GlenysThornton for the kind words! Speech and language development should be definitely be in the Children's Wellbeing Bill, given that a record-high 2M children in the UK now have speech and language challenges😞speechandlanguage.org.uk/the…
5
10
789
🎙️ This morning, our CEO Jane and teacher Lauren joined BBC 5 Live Breakfast to discuss why our new campaign, #SupportNotSanctions, is so important — and why reform is needed in schools to make them fair for all children. Missed it? Catch up 2:40 ⬇️ bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002bf…
2
3
8
777
More information here speechandlanguage.org.uk/the… @PaulGarvey4 @AdamHighcliffe @DeputyGrocott
🤯 78% of teachers say children with speech & language challenges are being unfairly punished! This is unacceptable. We urgently need inclusive school behaviour policies. Government MUST act NOW & invest in these children's futures! #SpeechAndLanguage #SupportnotSanctions
2
206
🤯 78% of teachers say children with speech & language challenges are being unfairly punished! This is unacceptable. We urgently need inclusive school behaviour policies. Government MUST act NOW & invest in these children's futures! #SpeechAndLanguage #SupportnotSanctions
1
1
256
We're proud to share this article on the launch of our Director of Education @Maslen's book 'The A-Z of Special Educational Needs'. Roy Blatchford, our Board of Trustees Chair, is the editor.👏 Thank you to Barton Hill Academy for hosting the launch!🙌 torbayweekly.co.uk/news/home…
1
4
447
I really enjoyed the opportunity to sit on the panel at the book launch of ‘The A-Z of Special Educational Needs’ by @Maslen and Lindsay Cooper Smith. Thank you for having me! If you’ve not read this book and you work in education, then it is a must! 🙌
1
7
403
The interim curriculum review is a downright scandal. Why promise to embed vital speaking skills into the curriculum, then fail to make good at such a critical opportunity? The futures of our nation's children hang in the balance. Govt. must fix this! speechandlanguage.org.uk/abo…
6
1
11
1,445
💬 'Most school-based mental health interventions are verbally mediated, yet a significant proportion of pupils have speech and language challenges' @SpeechAndLangUK CEO, Jane Harris buff.ly/Q6ArR1e
1
5
3
1,919
📚 Don’t miss THE A-Z OF SEND 🗓️ Thursday, 20th March | 🕓 4:00 PM 📍 Barton Hill Academy, Torquay TQ2 8JA Discover The A-Z of SEND by @Maslen & Lindsay Cooper-Smith—a must-have resource for anyone supporting children with special needs!
1
3
121
Excited to receive ‘The A-Z of Special Educational Needs’ by @Maslen & Lindsay Cooper-Smith! This promises to be a super resource for anyone working in SEND and I can’t wait to dive in. Thanks to Neil for sending it - looking forward to the launch! 🤩@SpeechAndLangUK @JohnCattEd
2
9
996
Revisiting The Age of Unreason blinks.education/royBlatchfo… Charles Handy. One of the great influencers.
1
2
252
Today's the day! Lindsay and I are thrilled to announce the release of our new book, A-Z SEND. Huge thanks to my brilliant writing partner, Lindsay. Grab your copy now on Amazon! #SEND amazon.co.uk/Special-Educati…
3
54
Pupils at Dawn House have been busy filming a fantastic entry for the Shakespeare Schools Film Festival @cssf_uk! Their adaptation of The Tempest (with a twist!) is out now🌪📽 Read and watch on here🌟 speechandlanguage.org.uk/abo…
2
2
370
A sneak peek into our book the "The A-Z of SEND" . Now available to pre-order amzn.eu/d/huIIlc9 #SEND #specialneeds #SENCo
1
1
3
289
Waiting lists for speech and language therapy are higher than ever. More and more families are relying on our advice line for help. And we can’t keep up with the demand. Give £5 this Christmas so we don't let families down when they need us most. 🎁💙 justgiving.com/campaign/spee…
6
2
568
Yesterday, our fabulous Childcare department went pen-free for #NoPensDay! ✍️❌ Our Year 1 and Year 2 T-Level Childcare students took part in a series of pen-free activities which prioritised communication, active listening, and confidence building. This is to raise awareness for @SpeechAndLangUK, who focus on supporting children who struggle with language and words. The pupils developed skills which they can use in their future career to be mindful and supportive of children who have difficulties with speech and language. Great work everyone! 👏
1
2
6
152