Bid to raise funds for speech and language unit

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Parents at a Lewes primary school have launched a campaign to fund electronic learning devices to help children with speech and language difficulties.

Sarah Neels, whose son attends the Speech and Language Unit at Wallands Community Primary School, came up with the idea after realising the department don’t have iPads or other electronic equipment that can help develop children’s communication skills.

Ms Neels said: “Since my son started attending the unit, he has made exceptionally good progress as a result of outstanding teaching, personalised support, and the hard work of the highly-skilled teachers, assistants and speech and language therapists. My son would not have progressed so far without the dedication of the staff, who provide an excellent learning environment for all children.

“In my role as Language Unit Rep for Friends of Wallands, it has come to my attention that although our children receive high-quality teaching and support in the classroom, the Language Unit currently does not have iPads, and other electronic learning resources, needed to further enhance the learning environment. This technology has shown to help individuals with speech and language disorders learn and thrive in education, as the use of technology can be adapted to their individual needs and learning styles.

“Learning through technology shows immediate cause and effect, which in turn delivers immediate results and reinforcement through visual stimuli. This engages the individual through trial and error, processing information faster than traditional learning methods.”