2 hours self directed content. The SNAs can go through this material as a group or in their own time.This can be used for Croke Park hours, school closure day or whenever your school wants CPD for SNAs. Please share the link with them after purchasing. There is a certificate of attendance included which needs to be printed and signed on completion of the material.
Supporting Students with SLCN - Speech Language Communication Needs Post primary
Session 1: Pre-Teaching Vocabulary & Concepts: Helping Students Access Learning at Post-Primary - 45 minutes
This practical webinar explores how pre-teaching key vocabulary and concepts can reduce cognitive overload and improve understanding for students with language and learning differences. Participants will learn how to identify “hidden” curriculum language, use visuals and real-life links, and prepare students for success across subjects.
Session 2: Scaffolding Language and Working Towards Independence: Real time Support Across the Day - 55 minutes
This webinar focuses on how to scaffold language to support students in understanding instructions, expressing ideas, and participating confidently in learning. Attendees will explore sentence frames, visual supports, and gradual release strategies that build independence while reducing reliance on adult support.
Session 3: Communicating Pain Webinar - 60 minutes
This webinar explores how pain is experienced and communicated by students with communication differences, with a strong focus on practical, real-world support strategies for post-primary settings. It highlights the importance of recognising that pain is subjective, may be expressed through behaviour rather than words, and is often missed or misunderstood in students with complex communication needs.
Participants will learn about evidence-informed approaches to identifying pain, including free assessment tools, proactive sensory and language-based strategies, and the use of visual supports, communication boards, and AAC. The webinar also explores Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and how the language adults use can support or hinder students’ ability to communicate discomfort or pain effectively.
Bio of Presenter: Jenny Hillier
Jenny Hillier is a Senior Speech and Language Therapist with over 15 years’ experience supporting children and young people with speech, language, and communication needs across education and clinical settings. She is the owner of a busy private practice and has worked extensively with primary and post-primary students, including those with additional learning needs and neurodivergent profiles. Jenny is the founder of The Speech Monsters, an innovative range of evidence-informed resources designed to make speech and language support more visual, playful, and accessible. Jenny is passionate about equipping educators and families with practical strategies that support inclusion, independence, and lifelong communication skills.