Specialist Speech and Language Therapy for schools
Interactions specialises in speech and language therapy for schools.
We combine expert, evidence-based support with a practical understanding of education – working alongside staff to remove barriers to communication and learning and make the right support part of everyday school life.
Helping children communicate, participate and learn
Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) affect far more than a child’s speech. They influence understanding, learning, literacy, relationships, confidence and a child’s ability to take part in school life.
We understand schools. We know that your SENCO probably manages a growing caseload. You have children with complex and overlapping needs. Staff who need practical guidance but have limited time to do everything they need to do.
With Interactions, you’re not working it out alone. We combine specialist speech and language therapy with a practical understanding of education, and a clear support plan that works for pupils and staff.
For children and young people
Careful assessment and appropriate intervention to understand individual communication needs and help each child make meaningful progress.
For school staff
Clear advice, practical classroom strategies and professional guidance that build confidence without creating another unrealistic list of tasks.
For the whole school
A flexible partnership that connects speech and language therapy with learning, inclusion and the wider support already surrounding each pupil.
20+ years’ professional experience
Interactions was founded by Anna, who brings more than 20 years’ experience in speech and language therapy.
Qualified and registered therapists
HCPC registered and members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.
Evidence-based practice
Professional judgement, current evidence and honest advice guide every recommendation.
Rated 5/5 by schools
Anna reported that 100% of completed school feedback forms currently rate the Interactions experience 5/5.
A whole-school approach to communication
Effective speech and language therapy does not sit separately from school life from school life. It connects specialist expertise with the everyday environment of the child.
Our therapists focus on the child, working with staff to remove barriers to learning and make communication support meaningful, manageable and easier to use across the school day.
We understand the whole child
We consider communication alongside learning, relationships, wellbeing and other needs that may be shaping the child’s experience of school.
We work with the school
We listen to SENCOs, teachers and support staff, explain our findings clearly and develop strategies that are realistic for the setting.
We focus on lasting progress
We help staff reinforce effective approaches throughout the school day so communication skills can carry beyond an individual session.
We don’t just work with children.
We work with the environment around them.
That may involve direct individual or group intervention, but it may also mean coaching staff, adapting
the classroom environment or changing the way information is presented. We will always explain the professional thinking behind our recommendations.
Speech and language therapy shaped around your school
Every child is different. Every school is different. That is why Interactions provides one comprehensive service shaped around the needs of your pupils, staff and setting – not fixed packages or an off-the-shelf programme.
We begin by understanding the priorities in your school and agree how therapist time can deliver the most useful impact. Depending on what we identify together, your partnership may include:
Specialist speech and language therapy assessment and intervention
Classroom observation, practical strategies and environmental adaptations
Support for SENCOs and school leaders
EHCP advice, reports and liaison with other professionals
Ongoing review and collaborative planning as needs change
Support shaped for every stage of education
We work with Early Years settings, primary and secondary schools, resource bases and schools within multi-academy trusts across Leeds and the surrounding areas.
The principles behind our service remain consistent, while the provision reflects pupils’ ages, curriculum demands and the day-to-day realities of each setting.
Early Years setting
Strong foundations for language, play, interaction and learning.
Primary schools
Communication support connected with literacy, learning and participation.
Secondary schools
Age-appropriate support as language and curriculum demands increase.
Multi-academy trusts
Consistent professional expertise, adapted to each school.
Resource base
Careful support for pupils with complex and overlapping needs.
One familiar therapist.
A whole team of expertise.
Your therapist becomes a familiar, trusted presence in school. They understand how your setting works, see how provision develops over time and build relationships with the pupils and staff they support.
They are never working in isolation. Regular team discussion and shared professional development mean colleagues can contribute ideas, perspective and relevant specialist experience when it will help.
Consistency for your school –
with collective expertise behind the scenes
“We started the year with an INSET training session with the team as well as directing key staff to ‘buddy up’ with Anna to become experts in delivering interventions either in groups or on a 1:1.
Staff were trained using specific SALT interventions as well as other interventions that support other communication needs such as social communications.
The fruits of this work began to shine so quickly with multiple non-verbal children suddenly being given a voice. The children continued to follow a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on speech and language.
Anna worked alongside teachers to model the easy scaffolds to adopt multi-sensory ways of remembering technical and functional language.”
Laura Nicholson
Assistant Headteacher, Oakwell Rise
Ready to strengthen speech and language therapy support for your school?
Whether you are reviewing your current provision, managing a growing SLCN caseload or concerned about particular pupils, the next step can begin with a conversation.
Tell us what is happening in your school, what you are concerned about and what you would like to improve.
We will listen, ask the right questions and help you identify an appropriate next step.