Supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) is one of the most rewarding, and most important, parts of our work in education. But it can also be challenging without the right knowledge, skills and support.
That’s why Elklan developed the Higher Level Communication Practitioner (HLCP) Award, a nationally recognised Level 4 qualification that equips practitioners to lead communication-friendly practice in their setting. In this blog, we’ll explain what the award involves, why it’s needed now more than ever, and how it is already making a difference for children, families and schools.
What is the HLCP Award?
The HLCP Award is for early years practitioners and teaching assistants working in early years settings, primary, secondary or specialist settings. It builds advanced knowledge and practical skills to support children and young people with SLCN, and gives them the tools to embed consistent, evidence-based strategies across your school or early years provision.
By completing the HLCP Award, you will:
- Gain national accreditation at Level 4 (OCN London)
- Lead positive change in how your setting supports communication
- Work collaboratively with colleagues, senior leaders and local SLCN services
- See the difference in children’s communication, learning and wellbeing
Why now?
SLCN is the most common type of special educational need, and the need for skilled practitioners is growing. Schools and early years settings need confident leaders in communication support more than ever.
The HLCP Award not only develops your expertise in leading and supporting provision for children and young people with SLCN, but also strengthens links with local speech and language therapy services. This joined-up approach means the strategies you use are consistent with SaLT recommendations, ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.
Starting an HLCP Award now means you or a member of your team will be ready to lead positive change in the next academic year, working in partnership with SaLTs to make a lasting impact.
Click here to view available course dates
Update on the HLCP programme
In October 2024, we launched the HLCP programme with a pilot phase, which has now successfully concluded with over 36 participants completing the award. An independent evaluation by Newcastle University is underway and will be pulished in the autumn term.
Even before the full report is published, the impact is clear. We’ve had positive feedback from HLCP learners, their settings and speech and language therapy services, all highlighting the benefits of having an HLCP in place to support children’s speech, language and communication.
Final assessments have shown a consistently high quality of practice across early years and primary education settings. HLCPs have told us they have:
- Gained confidence in sharing their knowledge and upskilling colleagues
- Developed the confidence and knowledge of colleagues to effectively support SLCN
- Raised the profile of SLCN within their setting, both with colleagues and families
- Identified areas for development for colleagues and created new CPD opportunities
- Worked with the SENCO and other leaders to support the development of good practice and consistent communication-friendly environments
- Strengthened links with SLCN services
- Seen positive outcomes for children and their families
This feedback reinforces what we hoped from the very beginning – that the HLCP Award not only builds individual expertise but also brings real, lasting change to practice and outcomes across a wide range of educational settings.
Hear how HLCPs are making an impact
We can tell you about the benefits of the HLCP Award, but the most powerful voices are those of the practitioners already putting it into practice.
One HLCP participant, Becky Davis, shared:
“I've done my HLCP training all year, which really supported my role and I can take back what I've been learning on the course to the setting... So now that I have a dedicated role, it has been amazing. I timetable everything around Alison's (SaLT) visits, and I contact her all the time and ask questions about all the children. We join up brilliantly because I have the time to do that.”
Alison Evans, the Speech and Language Therapist Becky works alongside, reflected on the difference this has made:
“It really highlights how we need a Becky (HLCP) in every school and how the consultative model really works in this school because I have a Becky. I feel children are progressing faster here.”
You can hear more from both Becky and Alison in our latest video, where they talk together about how the HLCP programme has transformed their partnership – and the difference it’s made to the children they support.
Looking ahead
The HLCP Award is already creating stronger links between settings and speech and language therapy services, while giving practitioners the confidence to lead communication support. Most importantly, it is helping more children access the communication-friendly environments they need to thrive.
If your setting is ready to strengthen support for children’s communication, the HLCP Award could be the next step to making that change.
