I CAN Talk Boost KS1 and children with Special Educational Needs

Talk Boost KS1 is a targeted and evidenced based intervention, which supports children with delayed language in Reception and key stage one to make significant progress with their language and communication skills.

Talk Boost KS1 for children with identified special Educational Needs (SEN):

I CAN is not recommending Talk Boost KS1for children with complex needs as:

  • Talk Boost KS1is a targeted wave 2 intervention for children with delayed language with the potential to ‘catch up’. It is not designed as a specialist intervention.
  • Currently there is no evidence of the impact Talk Boost KS1 would make with children with more complex needs as the intervention was not trialled on this group of children.
  • Children with identified needs will not make the progress identified in the intervention
  • The pace of the groups and activities would be too fast and not suit children with identified needs.
  • Children with identified needs would need more opportunities for consolidation.
  • The level of repetition, monitoring and indications of when/how to move on with the Talk Boost KS1group intervention would not suit children with identified needs. This is because children with delayed language are more likely to make progress in a predictable manner at a fairly rapid rate, children with complex needs may need a more individualised approach and may follow a less predictable pattern, which can’t be accommodated within the structure of Talk Boost KS1.
  • Children with complex needs may find the behavioural requirements of the group too challenging.
  • The pictures and materials may not be appropriate for an older child

Under the guidance of a speech and language therapist theTalk Boost KS1 intervention groups could be adapted for children with identified SEN – but this would mean that children were receiving a programme based onTalk Boost KS1. Evidence of impact based on children with delayed language, can NOT be used in relation to children with SEN.

If you would like to discuss Talk Boost KS1and whether it is suitable for you school, please contact Louisa Reeves, Lead Communication Advisor on