For those of you working with children in Foundation Stage we have a special offer: Pupil Language Profile (Screening measure 4-6yrs) Normal Price £38.00 SPECIAL END OF TERM OFFER: £29.00 (ends 22nd July) Many children enter Foundation Stage with poor language skills. Teachers working with this age group are often the first professionals to address the child’s problems. This screening measure was developed with those professionals in mind. The Pupil Language Profile is a screening measure which will enable teachers and therapists to obtain information on a child’s level of language function. The PLP measures the child’s understanding of language from 1 to 4 key word level; and samples the child’s ability to construct short phrases and two and three part sequences. The attractively illustrated pack includes full clear instructions for use, along with background information, fully photocopiable score sheets and lots of information on how to interpret and score the child’s responses. https://www.blacksheeppress.co.uk/product/pupil-language-profile-screening-measure/

The ability to tell stories is a central component of everyday communication. An effective storyteller conveys meaning to a listener, clearly and precisely. We tell stories to one another when we talk about what happened at school, on holiday or at home, or when recounting recent events from our favourite soap opera on TV. However, the ability to construct age-appropriate narratives is a skill that some children find difficult to master. The development of a therapy approach that uses a highly structured framework to create narratives has proved effective and enjoyable for many children. To find out more about our resources to support narrative visit https://www.blacksheeppress.co.uk/?s=narrative&post_type=product

Writing stories is a craft that is crucial for life. And if the government insists, you can test it, measure it and use it in commerce, too
View post

Shocking report on the postcode lottery for speech and language therapy services. England's Children's Commissioner says that in the top 25% of areas, at least £291.65 a year is spent on children needing speech and language therapy. In the lowest quarter that drops to £30.94 or less. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-48580857#

England's children's commissioner highlights "enormous variation" in money spent across the regions.
View post

We thought it would be interesting to share this article that Helen found on BBC news on the topic of selective mutism, which affects around one in 140 children. The article discusses the experiences of a girl named Red, who has been selectively mute when speaking to strangers and family members since she started in nursery. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-48557674

As a child, Red was chatty and full of life - but only at home. When she left the house, everything changed.
View post

For practitioners using iPads the Talking About Secondary Resource App is ideal for children who are about to move to Secondary School, or who have transferred and are struggling with the transition. A bargain at only £9.99. Find out more at http://bit.ly/TASS-IPad

The move from Junior to Secondary School can effect a child's feelings, emotions and behaviour. The App provides the opportunity to discuss these situations.
View post

Our most recent publication which is proving to be a favourite with customers is Secondary School Readiness This pack provides a set of materials that will help students before and during their move to secondary school. Using the resources will provide many discussion points, and opportunities for supporting the students’ varied concerns regarding their transition. Read more http://bit.ly/SSRead

A resource which provides discussion points, and opportunities for supporting the students’ varied concerns regarding their transition to secondary school.
View post

This week we want to share with you resources suitable for children transitioning to secondary school. Starting with: Talking About Secondary School This pack is for children who are about to move to Secondary School, or who have transferred and are struggling with the transition. Read more: http://bit.ly/TalkingAbout-SecondarySchool-PDF

View post