Reflecting on a Specialist’s Journey at Holbeach Primary School

Words First reflects on the journey of Bryony Langmaid, who has grown from a newly qualified SaLT to a Band 7 Clinical Specialist for Speech Sound Disorders. Over nearly a decade with Words First, Bryony has contributed to meaningful progress across many settings. Her long-standing work at Holbeach Primary School has been especially influential, supporting staff, learners and families.

Bryony’s Journey at Holbeach Primary School

When Bryony Langmaid joined Words First as a newly qualified SaLT in 2016, she brought curiosity, warmth and a genuine passion for helping children communicate. Nearly a decade later, she is our Band 7 Clinical Specialist for Speech Sound Disorders, and her work across all the settings she has supported has contributed to real, positive change. Her time at Holbeach Primary School has stood out as a place where her expertise has supported both children and staff in a significant way.

Bryony’s journey shows the difference it makes when a therapist is trusted, supported and given the space to grow.

Growing with Words First

Bryony completed her Speech and Language Therapy degree at City, University of London before joining Words First straight after graduation. Over the years she has worked in mainstream primary and secondary schools, specialist provisions for autistic learners and our Kids First clinic.

Her interest in Early Years and Primary has been a constant, and she is especially passionate about supporting children with Speech Sound Disorders. She is known for her collaborative approach, welcoming both staff and families into sessions and making sure everyone understands each child’s goals and how to support them.

A Commitment to Learning and Sharing Expertise

Bryony is strongly motivated by research and evidence-based practice. She brings new ideas into her work, shares resources with colleagues and contributes to Clinical Excellence Events within Words First. She is currently completing a Master’s degree in Speech Difficulties at Sheffield University, developing her knowledge even further.

As a Clinical Specialist, she supports therapists across the service through joint assessments, case discussions and guidance related to Speech Sound Disorders. She is also involved in training teaching staff to deliver Sound Smart, our phonological awareness intervention programme.

Holbeach Primary School: A School Strengthened Through Collaboration

Holbeach Primary School has been a significant part of Bryony’s professional journey. Over several years she has worked closely with Headteacher Tom Bulpitt and English Subject Lead Abi Felton to explore how phonological awareness could be strengthened across all year groups.

Together they introduced a structured, practical model that supports children from Nursery to Year 6. Staff training, accessible strategies, parent workshops and simple daily routines helped make phonological awareness a regular part of the school day.

What the School Says

“This year, for the first time, we are seeing children of all abilities making good progress with their phonological understanding and with their spelling. This is down to the comprehensive nature of our whole school approach to Developing Phonological Awareness. Our English Subject Lead and our Speech and Language Therapist have provided high-quality CPD for all staff members, a robust timetable of skills teaching that is followed by the whole school at the same time, a communications package that ensures that parents and carers also understand our approach, and in-built time for reflection for school leaders and staff to monitor the difference it is making. In short, we have seen real, demonstrable change in how our children approach reading and spelling.”

Tom Bulpitt, Headteacher

His words describe not only the success of the whole-school approach but also the dedication Bryony brings to her work.

Why Continuity Matters

Bryony’s continued presence at Holbeach Primary School has been central to this progress. Her long-term involvement has allowed her to understand the school’s needs, build strong working relationships and offer consistent support to staff and families.

For Bryony, remaining with Words First has allowed her to follow children through their entire journey, from early concerns through to discharge. For the school, having the same therapist over multiple years has created a sense of stability that supports ongoing development.

A Therapist Who Leads with Care, Creativity and Knowledge

Bryony brings creativity into her sessions and enjoys planning activities and resources that are tailored to each child. Her sessions are purposeful and engaging, supported by a strong clinical foundation and a genuine understanding of the children she works with.

She reflects the values that matter to Words First: child-centred practice, strong teamwork with staff and families and work grounded in research.

In our next blog post, The Power of Sound, we explore Bryony’s work on phonological awareness, including how Holbeach Primary School implemented a whole-school approach and the impact this has had on children’s literacy outcomes.