In Practice: Autumn Priorities from Our Verbo SaLTs
News & Views . 7 October 2026
As part of autumn planning conversations, our Link Speech and Language Therapists have been working with schools and Multi-Academy Trusts to identify priorities for the term ahead and make the most of the support available through Verbo.
One piece of advice comes up consistently:
“Start small. Choose one or two priorities, embed them well, and build from there.”
Verbo offers a wide range of tools, resources and training, but the schools we see making the strongest progress are usually those focusing on a small number of achievable actions that can be embedded into everyday practice.
Here are some of the priorities emerging this term.
Creating Communication-Friendly and Sensory-Friendly Environments
Lots of settings are beginning with Verbo’s Learning Environment Checklist.
This helps staff recognise what is already working well and identify a small number of practical actions to strengthen communication-friendly and sensory-friendly practice. Schools are then planning to revisit these actions in the spring term and review progress.
Making CPD Manageable
With training schedules already busy, schools are looking for opportunities to build learning into existing team meetings.
Short, bite-sized CPD sessions on Verbo are helping staff develop knowledge and confidence without adding to already full diaries. Choose one short Verbo webinar or activity that reflects an immediate priority and build it into an upcoming team meeting.
Supporting Early Career Teachers and New Staff
For settings welcoming new staff, several schools are creating simple onboarding pathways using Verbo’s bite-sized staff training webinars.
Common areas of focus include:
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD)
- Neuro-affirming practice
- Using visuals effectively
Supporting Year 7 Transition
In secondary settings, a key focus has been identifying and screening Year 7 pupils who may benefit from additional communication support.
This helps staff understand needs early and consider any support that may be helpful as pupils are settling in.
Turning Priorities into Practice
Whatever the priority, choose one or two achievable actions, give staff time to embed them, and review the difference they make. Small, well-embedded changes are often more sustainable and impactful than trying to tackle everything at once.