#CSFLear 2023/24
In partnership with
Using drama, play and stories to help children aged 5-7 develop confidence, communication and creativity
Photograph by Tom Doona Media
What is Speech Bubbles?
What is the need for Speech Bubbles?
How does Speech Bubbles support children with SLCN?
Interested in becoming a Speech Bubbles School?
"I found a voice through making theatre and I'm proud to be patron of Speech Bubbles"
Sir Mark Rylance
Actor and Patron of Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles is built on the belief that:
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Every child has the right the communicate
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Every child has the right to understand and be understood
In partnership with Peoplescape Theatre, we offer Speech Bubbles to school in Manchester, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford areas. We are part of the North West partner network, which also includes Oldham Theatre Workshop and M6 Theatre.
The approach encourages children to tell, act out and reflect on their own stories. Speech Bubbles practitioners use a thoroughly proven structure and their expert knowledge of whole body communication to promote children’s communication, confidence and wellbeing. Speech Bubbles sessions are a different kind of experience to a clinical intervention, practitioners work to create a space which is collaborative, playful and fun.
Photograph by Rebecca Lupton Photography
What is Speech Bubbles?
Speech Bubbles is a joyful creative intervention that uses drama activities, story-telling and imaginative play to support children's development of communication, confidence and wellbeing. The programme was originally developed in 2007 by Adam Annand and London Bubble Theatre, alongside Speech and Language Therapists and schools.
Deputy Head feedback
"Speech Bubbles’ approach places play and joy at the centre of the creative learning experience"
What is the need for Speech Bubbles?
Speech and Language UK report that 1.9 million children in the UK have a speech, language and communication need (SLCN). In areas of disadvantage this may affect 50% of all pupils.
1 in 5 children struggle to talk and understand words
Children with SLCN are six times more likely to be behind in English and eleven times more likely to be behind in Maths at age 11
81% of children with mental health difficulties have a SLCN
*Data is taken from the ‘Listening to Unheard Children’ report (September 2023) from Speech and Language UK'.
Photograph by Rebecca Lupton Photography
How does Speech Bubbles support children with SLCN?
Through its careful and creative use of story, play and drama, Speech Bubbles has shown to have considerable impact on speaking, listening and attention skills whilst also improving children's social skills and emotional literacy. You can find research into the effectiveness of Speech Bubbles here.
In 2023/24, North West Drama's Speech Bubbles schools reported that:
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83% of children involved improved their learning, speaking and listening skills
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85% of children involved improved their emotional behaviour and conduct
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100% of children showed improvements back in the classroom
Photograph by Rebecca Lupton Photography
"The children have gained so much from Speech Bubbles - far more than just the improvement in their ability to communicate"
Joe Levinsohn, Speech & Language Support
St Thomas of Canterbury RC Primary School
Photgraph by Tom Doona Media
Interested in becoming a Speech Bubbles school?
Schools in Trafford, Stockport, Tameside or Salford should contact
Matt Wardle (North West Drama):
matt@northwestdramaservices.co.uk
Schools in Manchester should contact
Emily Capstick (Peoplescape Theatre):
emily@peoplescapetheatre.co.uk
Speech Bubbles is delivered across the country by a partner network of theatre companies. For details of who offers Speech Bubbles in your local area, you can visit:
Or email Lizzie Kennedy
(Speech Bubbles):