Sizzling Successes: Looking back on our wins

As the new school year gets underway, we want to take a moment to look back on the incredible work that closed out the last one. The final term was filled with highlights that showcased the creativity, passion, and dedication of our Words First team.

Here are just a few of the sizzling successes we celebrated:

Riversdale Team Shines

Grace (OT), Lexi (SaLT) and Callia (SaLT) received outstanding feedback from Sparkle Class staff. Their skilled, calm support helped children flourish, even in challenging moments, and their consistent collaboration with staff has been invaluable.

Rachel’s Double Success

At Three Bridges Primary, Rachel (SaLT) was praised as approachable, flexible and “a highly valued member of our school community.” At Hounslow Heath, Rachel worked alongside Kavya (OT) to deliver a parent-inclusive session that amazed families with its seamless blending of therapies.

Chevonne’s Creative Collaboration

Chevonne (SaLT) created GCSE PE flashcards with teachers, which proved so effective that they were rolled out across the whole class. Students even asked for laminated copies to take home, showing just how embedded SaLT can be in everyday learning.

AEN Open Day Impact

At a busy Open Day with over 100 families, Chevonne (SaLT), Andrew (EP) and Ebonee (OT) showcased the power of communication, learning support and interdisciplinary practice in a performing arts setting. Parents, staff and students left inspired, and requests for further input are already coming in.

SEN Review Recognition for Alyssa

Alyssa (SaLT) was praised in a recent SEN review at Dawlish Primary. Her new routines, visuals and structures brought calm and consistency to the Rainbow Room, and there are already exciting plans for interactive story time ahead.

Kavya’s Sensory Circuit Training

Kavya (OT) delivered an outstanding Inset training session at Chatsworth Primary on creating and running sensory circuits to support students with regulation and readiness to learn. Staff engaged fully with the practical activities and left confident to apply what they had learned. Several teachers, including nursery staff, expressed enthusiasm for adapting circuits for their own classes. The feedback was excellent, and the impact will be long-lasting.

Abi and Shira at Communication Works 2025

Abi (SaLT) and Shira (OT) represented Words First at the Communication Works 2025 event, hosted by CENMAC and the ACE Centre. The event celebrated the innovative use of assistive technology (AT) and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) in education.

Abi and Shira were inspired by keynote talks from Abdi Omar, a motivational speaker and AAC specialist, and Khamani Edwards, an award-winning entrepreneur and SEN advocate. They also attended seminars showcasing pioneering approaches, from head-tracking technology to universal AAC strategies, and explored resources from the ACE Centre, including new AAC tools and professional development opportunities.

The day highlighted how technology can break down barriers, raise aspirations and empower students to learn and communicate with confidence. Abi and Shira came away inspired and energised, bringing fresh insights back to the WF community.

A Stammering Success Story

One of our students with a severe stammer competed in a debate competition and won two out of three rounds. With preparation, collaboration and courage, this young person showed that communication is about confidence and connection. This was a proud success for Vhahashu (SaLT).

Looking Ahead

These stories are just a glimpse of the impact our team makes every day. As the new term unfolds, we look forward to building on these successes and making an even bigger difference together.