WELLCOMM

Wellcomm at North Walkden Primary school 

What is Wellcomm?

Wellcomm is a speech and language toolkit for children aged 6 months to 6 years. It helps practitioners to understand children’s current level of speech and language and then provides a range of activities to help support their language development.

 

How does it work?

Speech development follows a pattern much like physical development. For example: a baby can’t run without first learning to sit up, stand up and walk. It is the same with communication. For example, if a child doesn’t understand the words ball, box or in, they will be unable to “put the ball in the box”. Identifying a specific area that a child might need support in allows us to play games or do activities that help them master an idea or concept which will boost their speech and language development.

Our job is to make sure that your child leaves EYFS equipped for the next stage of their education. We use Wellcomm to make sure that no milestones have been missed and that we are supporting each child to the best of their ability. We assess all children staying with us for their nursery year to make sure that we support any gaps in their understanding. We would also assess a child if we felt there was a communication need so that we know how we can best support them. Children are the retested at the start of Reception and continue their interventions if necessary. 

A child will be assessed for around 10-15 minutes on their understanding of what is being said to them (receptive language) and also how they communicate verbally (expressive language). Some of the assessment is completed through specific activities and some through our everyday observations. The needs of the child are taken into consideration and the toolkit may be completed over several stages.

 

What can I expect from the EYFS department?  

At North Walkden we use our observations and the children’s profiles to closely monitor the children and their development. At the start of their time with us in the Nursery class; each child will be assessed against the WELLCOMM criteria and interventions will be organised should more support be needed. Staff will speak with parents after these assessments have taken place to get an understanding of what your child is like at home, if you have any concerns about their speech and language and will talk happily about their next steps. 

We have an on-site SENDCO to support us if we need outside help and we can arrange for the SALT team to come in and further assess your child should we all agree necessary. 

The progress of all children will continue to be monitored and support adjusted as appropriate.

 

If you would like any further information or have any questions; please refer to the website below:- 

 

https://www.gl-education.com/assessments/products/wellcomm/

North Walkden Primary School

Worsley, Manchester, Lancs, M28 3QD

General Enquiries - Mrs L Nolan - 0161 921 2921

SENDCo - Mrs J Thomas - 0161 9212921

0161 921 2921[email protected]