Claire Newby
Team Lead
HCPC Reg: SL34682
Hello, my name is Claire.
I studied Speech and Language Therapy at City University London and qualified with a Postgraduate Diploma in 2016. I also have a BA Hons Degree in Drama and English. I’ve worked for Words First since I qualified and feel lucky to have had the opportunity to progress alongside the company’s own development. The company has supported me every step of the way from a newly qualified therapist to Team Lead. My specialism is working with students in mainstream secondary, but I’ve also loved working in primary settings. My role also includes training and leadership responsibilities.
Before retraining as a SaLT, I worked in theatre managing creative projects for young people and running youth theatre groups. I now enjoy bringing both careers together by using elements of drama work into my Speech and Language therapy. Throughout both of my careers I have been passionate about working with young people to help them be the best they can be. I enjoy working with my schools and feel lucky that I get to be part of several great teams; the one at Words First and those at my schools. The best part of working with Words First is the fantastic group of therapists I get to work alongside who are always available to provide inspiration and guidance. I also love the supervision element of my role, supporting other therapists’ development and creating a relationship where we have all been able to reflect, and in doing so develop our practice together.
In my spare time I love to dance, I’ve been taking ballroom and Latin classes for a while now. I’m not sure I’m destined for Strictly Come Dancing anytime soon, but I really enjoy learning the steps and technique.
The Words First value that resonates the most with me is ‘flexibility.’ I love that Words First is a fast-moving company that responds quickly to meet the needs of our therapists, students, and schools. I’ve always strived to hold this value close whether working out how to maximise my impact in schools, or how to best meet the needs of my team.
