Words First Ltd

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Words First Ltd

Words First offers integrated SaLT, OT, EP, Literacy, Play and Counselling services in UK schools

Words First Ltd offers an innovative service to SEN in mainstream primary and secondary schools through its research-based approach to literacy and language. "When you read, you don't just have to decode words, you have to decode LANGUAGE'. The Words First assessment battery and intervention cycle allows mainstream pupils access to evidence-based support that identifies the unique deficit in the reading-language circuit. Designed around the needs of mainstream schools, our approach is easily implemented in schools with impact reports every 6 months to show the effectiveness of our intervention. Please visit our website www.wordsfirst.uk for more information.

17/10/2025

💜 You Can’t See DLD

Developmental Language Disorder affects how children understand and use language, but it often goes unnoticed. Around two children in every classroom experience DLD - yet many go undiagnosed.

DLD isn’t caused by hearing loss or lack of exposure to language. It’s a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect learning, communication, and confidence.

Read our latest blog with Words First’s DLD specialist Mollie Gadd to learn how to recognise the signs and support children with DLD both at home and in school.

💛 https://wordsfirst.uk/developmental-language-disorder-2025/

10/10/2025

How can schools better support students with ADHD? 🧠

This October - ADHD Awareness Month - we’re offering practical tips that teachers and staff can start using tomorrow:

• Simplify visuals
• Plan regulation breaks
• Support sensory needs

See the full guide and learn more on our blog: https://wordsfirst.uk/adhd-awareness-month-2025/

09/10/2025

It’s Dyslexia Awareness Week 2025!

This year’s theme, “Raise the Volume,” encourages us to listen to and celebrate the voices of young people with dyslexia.

Our Dyslexia Specialist Mary Thompson shares her reflections on supporting children to find their confidence and strengths - and we highlight inspiring role models like Jamie Oliver, Richard Branson, and Steven Spielberg, who’ve turned dyslexia into a strength.

👉 Read the full blog: https://wordsfirst.uk/dyslexia-awareness-week-2025-raise-the-volume/

08/10/2025

🌟 Dyspraxia Awareness Week 🌟

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD), also known as Dyspraxia, can make everyday motor tasks more difficult for some children - from handwriting and using scissors to fastening buttons.

With the right understanding and support, children with DCD can thrive and build independence and confidence at school and home.

Read our latest blog for insights and practical strategies from Words First DCD Specialist OT, Gel:

👉 https://wordsfirst.uk/dyspraxia-awareness-week-2025/

01/10/2025

💡 Did you know that sensory processing isn’t about how things feel? It’s about how the brain organises input from the senses to support daily life.

For many children, especially those who are neurodivergent, differences in sensory processing can impact focus, relationships, and classroom participation.

This Sensory Processing Awareness Month, SI-trained Words First OT, Caron Vandecar, explains how small, practical strategies like sensory breaks, visual supports, and flexible seating can make a big difference in the classroom.

📖 Read the full blog here: https://wordsfirst.uk/sensory-integration-and-processing-differences-in-the-classroom/

26/09/2025

Today is National Teaching Assistant Day and we want to say a huge THANK YOU to every Teaching Assistant we have the privilege of working with. 💛

You bring patience, creativity, and dedication to classrooms every single day, and children’s lives are brighter because of you. 🌟

We are grateful for all you do – not just today, but every day.

19/09/2025

🧠💛 Youth Mental Health Day reminds us that mental health starts in the body.

At Words First, our SI-trained Occupational Therapists work in schools to support regulation through sensory strategies - because when a child feels safe in their body, they're ready to learn and thrive.

💬 “These aren’t behaviour issues - they’re regulation issues,” says Caron, Words First OT.

➡️ Read more about how OTs support youth mental health through sensory integration: https://wordsfirst.uk/the-mind-body-connection-how-ots-support-youth-mental-health-through-sensory-regulation/

17/09/2025

✨ The Words First Hub has been buzzing with activity! ✨

Our supervisors and specialists came together for two days of learning, reflection and professional growth.

🌟 Supervisors’ Day
Our supervisors explored:

- Our brand-new company developments ✅
- The Mandela approach to supervision 🌍
- Case discussions and reviewing six-monthly targets 📊
- Improving the wording of targets – inspired by Gary Aubin’s talk at our company conference 🎤

🌟 Specialists’ Day
Our specialists focused on:

- Running effective Specialist Spotlight Groups 💡
- Building our CPD journey, including a buddy-up system for new specialists 🤝
- Strengthening professional development by connecting with key leaders in each specialist area 🌐
- Reflecting on how the role of the Clinical Specialist helps to realise our Vision, Mission and Goals (VMG) 🎯

💡 At Words First, Supervisors and Specialists are central to supporting therapists of all experience levels. By creating safe spaces for reflection, modelling best practice, and driving innovation and clinical excellence, they ensure our team continues to grow in confidence, skill and impact.

16/09/2025

As the new school year gets underway, we are looking back at some of the inspiring highlights that closed out last year.

Our team delivered powerful training, supported families, collaborated with schools, and received glowing feedback. Every success reminds us of the difference that can be made when therapists, educators and families work together.

Catch up on our sizzling successes here: https://wordsfirst.uk/sizzling-successes-looking-back-on-our-wins/

29/08/2025

That’s a wrap on Day Two of our Words First Ltd Conference 25/26 at Lilian Baylis Technology School!

✔️ Annual team photo (our community just keeps growing) 📸
✔️ Inspiring session with Mr Kevin Egan & Dr Louise Egan on “Who cares for the carers? Creating a company-wide compassionate care culture” 🧠
✔️ Break-out sessions with our SaLT, OT & Psych teams 🤝
✔️ Snacks, laughter & connection 💙

We’re heading into our best year yet - recharged, inspired and ready for another year of impact in schools.

28/08/2025

What a brilliant start to our conference! 🎉

After a summer of rest and recharge, our team gathered at Lilian Baylis Technology School to kick off the new academic year.

We were honoured to welcome Gary Aubin as our keynote speaker. Gary is a nationally respected voice in SEND education, with experience as both a primary and secondary SENCO and Head of Year. He now leads Whole Education’s SEND School Improvement programme, serves as the Education Endowment Foundation's SEND Associate, and is the author of The Lone SENDCO and The Parent’s Guide to SEND. He also shares insights through his popular blog, SENDMattersUK. Gary truly inspired us and set the perfect tone for the year ahead.

Other highlights:
✔️ SaLT, OT and EP professional development sessions
✔️ The launch of our very first Words First Therapist Planner 🗓️
✔️ Goodie bags 🎁

We are so proud of our amazing team. Bring on Day 2!
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03/07/2025

🧡 When we work together, children can soar.

At Words First, we believe in putting children at the heart of every decision. Whether it’s through SaLT, OT, EP, Play Therapy or Counselling, we’re here to support schools with flexible, inclusive services that make a difference every single day.

💡 What makes a school partnership really work? We’ve written a blog about just that.
📖 Read it here 👉 https://wordsfirst.uk/a-powerful-school-partnership/

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Croydon
CR85BY

Website

http://www.wordsfirst.uk/

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Words First Ltd offers an innovative approach to SEN in mainstream primary and secondary schools through its research-based approach to literacy and language. ‘When you read, you don't just have to decode words, you have to decode LANGUAGE’. The Words First assessment battery and intervention cycle allows mainstream pupils access to evidence-based support that identifies the unique deficit in the reading-language circuit. Designed around the needs of mainstream schools, our approach is easily implemented in schools with impact reports every 6 months to show the effectiveness of our intervention. Please visit our website www.wordsfirst.uk for more information.