Writing’s Off for students on No Pens Day Wednesday

A Speech and Language therapist from Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) has delivered a unique project together with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) for students at St Stephen's school in Hammersmith this month, by introducing 'No Pens Day Wednesday'.

The day is specifically designed to encourage children and school staff to use their speaking and listening skills rather than writing to participate and engage in their learning in subjects like Maths, English and Drama throughout the whole school day.

Bi-lingual students were also encouraged to practise their speaking and listening skills with other pupils in Italian, Polish, Spanish and French groups.

Sara Bagheri, Speech and Language Therapist at CLCH said: "We have seen the success of whole school approaches to supporting children's communication, which has highlighted the importance of all school staff feeling confident in identifying and supporting those needs. "

"Dedicating a full day to 'No Pens Day Wednesday' was a brilliant opportunity to get everyone at the school thinking about speaking and listening skills and the many ways we can develop these in the school environment."

Headteacher Michael Schumm said: "If you can support children from an early age and come up with the right strategies for improving their communication skills, you give them a better experience in school, which can help build their confidence and in turn, improve their ability to learn."

"It was a very productive day and wonderful to see the children engaging in the lessons so vigorously".

The concept of 'No Pens Day Wednesday' was inspired by the Communications Trust, a coalition of over 50 not-for-profit organisations working together to support anyone who works with children and young people in England to support their speech, language and communication.