Elklan Communication and Language – Intent, Implementation & Impact

Intent

At St Bernard’s RC Primary School, we believe that communication is at the heart of learning, relationships, and wellbeing. Our intent is to create a communication-friendly environment where every child can understand, express themselves, and connect confidently with others. We recognise that strong speaking and listening skills are the foundation of success in reading, writing, and wider learning.

Through the Elklan principles, we aim to:
• Support every child’s speech, language, and communication development.
• Remove barriers to learning by adapting teaching for pupils with communication needs.
• Build staff confidence in identifying and supporting pupils with speech, language, and communication difficulties (SLCN).
• Promote inclusion, social interaction, and emotional literacy across all areas of school life.

Three members of our staff team; Ms Breeze (Head & SENDCo), Ms Flanagan (Assistant SENDCo) and Ms Phillips (Deputy Head) are Elklan Level 3 trained, ensuring expert knowledge and consistent, evidence-based practice throughout the school.

Implementation

Our Elklan approach is embedded across our curriculum and daily routines to ensure every pupil is heard, valued, and understood.

• Communication-Friendly Classrooms – We create calm, well-organised spaces with clear visuals, consistent routines, and opportunities for talk.
• Skilled Staff – Our Elklan-trained staff model good communication strategies for all adults in school. They lead staff development, ensuring approaches are consistent and effective in every classroom.
• Targeted Support – Teachers and teaching assistants identify pupils with communication needs early and work alongside our SENCO and external specialists to plan appropriate support.
• Oracy-Rich Curriculum – Speaking and listening are central to all subjects. Pupils regularly take part in discussions, role play, debates, and collaborative problem-solving activities.
• EEF-Informed Practice – Our teaching draws on Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) research showing that structured talk, language modelling, and feedback enhance learning and close attainment gaps.
• Partnership with Parents – We share Elklan strategies with families so that communication skills are supported consistently at home and in school.

Impact

As a result of our Elklan-informed practice:
• Children are confident communicators who listen carefully, speak clearly, and express ideas effectively.
• Pupils with SLCN make strong progress from their starting points and participate fully in school life.
• Teachers use effective questioning, modelling, and feedback to develop language for thinking and learning.
• Staff across the school use a shared language for communication and inclusion, ensuring consistency for all pupils.
• Parents report improved understanding of how to support their children’s speech and language at home.
• The school’s inclusive ethos and Catholic values of respect, dignity, and service are lived out through the way we listen, speak, and respond to one another.

Through our commitment to the Elklan principles, St Bernard’s continues to nurture articulate, thoughtful, and compassionate learners who are ready to Believe, Grow, and Succeed.