Speech and Language Therapy
Manchester
Speech and Language Therapy for Schools and Colleges in Manchester
At Words First, we understand the pressures that SENCOs and school leaders face when supporting pupils with speech, language and communication needs – from easy-to-administer early identification systems, to setting up and delivering robust research and evidence-based interventions (through well-trained Teaching Assistants), the pressure is immense. The UK is experiencing an increase in SEN and with more and more complex learners, there has never been a bigger need to seek expert advice.
Words First is thrilled to announce that we have officially expanded into Manchester, bringing with us 16 years of expertise from our work in inner and outer London schools – from EYFS to Post-16 settings.
- Barriers to literacy and learning
- Increased behavioural challenges
- Social isolation and emotional distress
Why Manchester Schools Need Speech and Language Therapists
In Greater Manchester, the number of children with special educational needs is rising sharply. As of 2025, over 1 in 5 pupils in the region are identified as having SEND, with communication and interaction needs among the fastest-growing categories.
Nationally, more than 2 million children struggle with speech, language, and communication difficulties – a 64% increase since 2015. Yet thousands in Manchester are still waiting for support, with delays of 12 weeks or more now commonplace.
Without timely intervention, these children face:
Speech and language therapists are vital partners in education. They:
Manchester schools deserve more than reactive support – they deserve embedded, proactive expertise. With the right therapy, children don’t just catch up – they flourish.
Words First supports
Early Years settings
Mainstream primary and secondary schools
Special schools
SEMH settings
16+ provision and colleges
Our Mission in Manchester
At Words First, we are commitment to linking therapy and education, ensuring that every child and young person receives timely support they need to thrive in their own education setting. With a 160-strong team of dedicated therapists and specialists based in and around London, Manchester schools are now set to benefit from Words First Speech and Language Therapy.
How we work in Manchester schools
Depending on number of days per week, we will set specific outcomes with SENCOs across Universal, Targeted and Specialist Levels. SENCOs will co-create the vision for SaLT and we will ensure we meet that vision with a review and impact report every 6 months. Our work is usually spread across Universal, Targeted and Specialist levels and we believe wholeheartedly in sharing expertise with teachers and parents / carers through meaningful trainings, workshops and coffee mornings. Your SaLT will be able to do anything from an audit of the communication environment with school-wide strategies to embed across teaching and learning, implementing class-wide identification systems to conducting one-to-one assessments and writing report / attending Annual Reviews.
Caseloads are build around needs and are not restricted to EHCPs. Your SaLT will be able to support any learners (with consent) through an assessment, intervention or individualised programme. Reports are usually short but impactful and cover assessment findings with advice and guidance for staff to support the learner in class.
Packages
Every ‘package’ is built around the unique needs of the school / college / educational setting. Our most popular package is a day a week in school – this package allows us to work across Universal, Targeted and Specialist levels. However, if you have a budget you would like us to work within, please let us know and we will build a package to have maximum impact. Anything is possible!
How to commission Words First
It’s easy! Simply email our Director, Amanda (amanda@wordsfirst.uk) to book in a call and the rest will unfold seamlessly. Words First will take care of all the admin related to onboarding / safer recruitment / vetting and GDPR – our mission is to reduce SENCO workload!
You can expect your SaLT to start roughly one week after we receive your signed Service Level Agreement – it’s that quick and easy!
Who can commission Words First?
Words First is commissioned directly by schools, colleges, Local Authorities or Multi-Academy Trusts. We also partner with NHS Trusts to work in schools.
