Words First Ltd

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Words First Ltd

With Experts at Hand our team supports young people to achieve their best. "When you read, you don't just have to decode words, you have to decode LANGUAGE'.

Words First provides integrated Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy , Educational Psychology, Play Therapy & Counselling services to schools across the UK. Words First Ltd offers an innovative service to SEN in mainstream primary and secondary schools through its research-based approach to literacy and language. The Words First assessment battery and intervention cycle allows mainstrea

m 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.

10/04/2026

In-person onboarding day 1 ✨

For many of our April cohort, their journey with Words First started some time ago, with opportunities to connect and get to know each other online. This week marks onboarding week, and yesterday was their first chance to meet in person, already feeling like friends.

SaLTs, OTs and EPs from across the world, bringing their experiences and perspectives into one room.

A full day of learning, connection, and laying the foundations for what’s ahead.

We’re so excited to welcome you to the Words First community 💙

30/03/2026

What does truly inclusive practice look like working with multilingual children and young people across our education settings?

That was the focus of today’s CPD session at Words First, led by Sunita Shah.

With over 25 years of experience across education, bilingualism and culturally responsive practice, Sunita challenged us to think beyond standard approaches and really examine how we work with children and families from diverse backgrounds.

Some of the biggest takeaways from the session:

• Cultural competence is not about having all the answers, it is about being curious, respectful and reflective
• Assessment tools are not neutral – we must consider language, exposure and cultural context
• Misdiagnosis is a real risk when bilingualism and cultural differences are not properly understood
• Families are not passive recipients of therapy – they are partners, experts and decision-makers

The session also reinforced how important it is to adapt our practice. What works in one context may not translate to another, and it is our responsibility to ensure our approaches are accessible, relevant and equitable.

At Words First, CPD is central to how we maintain high standards across our multidisciplinary teams. It ensures that our Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Educational Psychologists are constantly evolving their practice in line with the needs of the children and schools we support.

A huge thank you to Sunita for delivering a session that was insightful, practical and thought-provoking.

24/03/2026

Last Friday, our teams came together for an evening of team socials.

From paint and sip to relaxed dinners, each team created their own version of the night. Across the evening, there was everything from darts at Flight Club, shuffleboard in Kings Cross, and games at Fairgame, to mini golf at Puttshack followed by dinner at Bill’s.

Others headed out for dinner at Market Halls and a visit to the Twist Museum, took on escape rooms after pizza at Enigma Quest, or kept things creative with a paint and sip session at Art Social Club.

Time like this helps keep our teams connected and makes a real difference to how we work together day to day.

Here are some of the highlights, you can see even more in our gallery: https://wordsfirst.uk/2026-2/

21/03/2026

🌈 Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2026 at Words First 🌈

At Words First, Neurodiversity Celebration Week is not just a moment in the calendar.

It reflects the work we do every day.

As an interdisciplinary team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists, supporting neurodivergent children and young people sits at the centre of our practice. This week has been an opportunity to come together, share expertise, and continue learning from one another across our Clinical Pathways.

Here’s what we’ve been exploring across the team:

🗣️ Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
Sharing knowledge around a common but often under-identified need, with practical strategies to support understanding and communication across home and school environments.

🤸 Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) + Sensory Processing
Bringing together OT and wider team perspectives to support recognition of motor and sensory differences, and how these impact participation in everyday school life.

📖 Dyslexia
Focusing on identifying early markers, challenging misconceptions, and embedding supportive strategies within classroom practice.

⚡ ADHD
Exploring co-occurring needs, sharing practical tools for schools and families, and strengthening whole-school approaches to support.

🧠 Autism
Sharing key insights, practical resources, and building understanding around lived experiences, including masking and under-identification.

What has stood out most this week is the strength of interdisciplinary practice.

When Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Educational Psychologists work together, we build a fuller understanding of each child and create more joined-up, effective support.

That shared knowledge, collaboration, and consistency is what makes the difference in schools.

A huge thank you to our highly specialist therapists and wider team for contributing, engaging, and continuing to champion neurodiversity in everything we do.

12/03/2026

Introducing the Words First Speech and Language Therapist Degree Apprenticeship

At Words First we believe the future of the profession depends on investing in the next generation of therapists.

Our new Speech and Language Therapist Degree Apprenticeship has been designed for people who already have experience working in schools and want to build a clinical career supporting children with communication needs.

As an apprentice you will:

•⁠ ⁠Work in schools across London
•⁠ ⁠Learn directly from experienced Speech and Language Therapists
•⁠ ⁠Be part of a multidisciplinary team alongside OTs and Ed Psychs
•⁠ ⁠Complete a recognised university qualification while earning a salary

We are particularly interested in applicants who have worked as Teaching Assistants or Speech and Language Therapy Assistants and want to take the next step in their career.

Our goal is simple: develop confident future therapists who are ready to support children and young people in education.

Applications are now open.

https://words-first-ltd.breezy.hr/p/a032f89e95e501-speech-and-language-therapist-degree-apprentice

03/03/2026

Early start before the sun.

Time in schools catching up with SENCOs and connecting with therapists.

A full Supervisor Day at our Peckham hub focused on strengthening clinical excellence across the team.

Ending the day with shared time over drinks and snacks.

Amanda’s role moves between people, settings, and priorities. From relationships in schools to supporting those who guide clinical practice, each part of the day stays close to the team and the realities of supporting children and young people.

That presence helps keep conversations flowing and ensures ideas, feedback, and clinical insight from across Words First continue to shape what we do.

02/03/2026

Understanding behaviour starts with understanding what sits beneath it.

In our latest Interdisciplinary Spotlight, our SEMH SaLT, June and Senior Ed Psych, Linda explore how the modified Coventry Grid helps teams make sense of behaviour where neurodiversity, attachment and mental health intersect.
Read the full blog here 👇

https://wordsfirst.uk/understanding-neurodiversity-and-mental-health-through-the-modified-coventry-grid/

20/02/2026

Thank you, Sarah, for 9 incredible years at Words First 💛

Our Head of Service, wearer of many hats, and someone who brings so much heart, wisdom, and care to our community.

In this video, Amanda and Sarah look back on how they first met and that early moment when Amanda spotted something truly special.

Finding people whose values align has shaped Words First from the very start, and we are so thankful Sarah has been part of that journey.

We are endlessly grateful for everything you bring.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/NsXNm7BaXDw

13/02/2026

More children are experiencing lost learning than ever before.

Our new blog looks at the link between neurodiversity, mental health, and school exclusion and why early understanding of communication and regulation needs is key to keeping young people included.

When we see the whole picture, we can support sooner and create safer, more inclusive learning environments.

Read the full blog: https://wordsfirst.uk/neurodiversity-mental-health-and-school-exclusion/

12/02/2026

In 17 years, our team has grown a lot.

What has never changed is our commitment to staying connected.

As our community has expanded, we have been intentional about keeping that close, supportive feel across the team, so that people continue to feel part of a community that is welcoming and collaborative.

Each term we come together for Team Leader Days. These are dedicated spaces to connect, collaborate, share ideas, develop clinically, and strengthen the relationships that support our work in schools.

Here are a few highlights from this term’s Team Leader Days 💛

05/02/2026

Last week, we celebrated our very first SENCO Celebration Week 💛

It was a chance to say thank you to the therapists we work alongside and to the SENCOs who juggle so many responsibilities every day, all while keeping children at the centre of what they do.

These photos capture just a few highlights from the week, moments of collaboration, connection, and shared commitment in schools.

If you would like to join in next time, SENCO Celebration Week will take place every January during the final week of the month. All you need to do is use the hashtag and do something special to celebrate the SENCO in your life.

We already cannot wait to celebrate these outstanding professionals again next year.

04/02/2026

New Starter Social 💜

A walk along the Thames from Blackfriars, dinner and drinks at The Anchor, and a room full of new faces and familiar ones.

Some of our team joined a few months ago, others have just started. Different professions, different countries, different levels of experience, all sharing stories, laughs, and good food.

Building real connection as a team strengthens collaboration day to day, which supports the best outcomes for the children and young people at the centre of everything we do.

Address

Croydon
CR85BY

Website

http://www.wordsfirst.uk/

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Our Story

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.