Speech Bubbles
Speech Bubbles is a brand-new initiative in Cornwall, delivered in partnership with The Kenora Charitable Foundation and Hall for Cornwall’s Get Creative programme.
Together, we’ll be enhancing children’s speech and language skills in Cornwall to build confidence and unlock potential through the power of drama.
Created for children aged 5-7 (Key Stage 1/KS1), Speech Bubbles uses drama and a road-tested format to develop speech and language abilities while sparking confidence and emotional skills. Crafted by expert drama, speech and language practitioners, this programme equips young people with the communication tools they need to thrive in the classroom and across their lives.
Why we need Speech Bubbles now
The Communication Trust reports that half of our children may be starting school with delayed communication skills. With over 1.9 million children struggling with communication, drama is a powerful tool for unlocking confidence in communication for young people, helping find their voice, build relationships, and develop the social and emotional skills they need to thrive – both in and out of the classroom.
Early Years teachers are stepping beyond reading and writing, using valuable classroom time to bridge emerging gaps around essential speech and play skills.
While some students require specialist Speech and Language Therapy, the needs of many children land just outside that threshold. Still in need of support, but without access to targeted pathways. Speech Bubbles fills that gap, helping children develop the essential skills for learning and play.
We’re looking for schools to take part – get in touch before 05 Jun
Primary schools in Cornwall will have the opportunity to take part in the 2025–26 programme. We have funding to offer this programme to 4 schools. Together we’ll deliver 24 sessions per school across the academic year, starting in September 2025 and running until June 2026, with 4 sessions per half term over 6 half terms. Any Primary school in Cornwall can apply. There are limited spaces available, so be sure to register your interest by Thu 05 Jun by emailing us at [email protected].
We encourage those wishing to register interest or wanting to find out more about the programme to come along to the CPD Workshop / Taster Session we are hosting on Wed 21 May. More details and how to book your place, here.
The total cost of the programme is £500, with a cost value of £4,000 being delivered throughout the project, as funded by the Kenora Trust and Hall for Cornwall’s Get Creative programme:
Speech Bubbles Includes
- CPD certified induction training for two members of school staff per school taking part
- 24 weekly drama sessions led by a specialist practitioner (for two groups of 10 children). This equates to one session a week for 24 weeks per school, with 4 sessions per half term over 6 half terms.
- CPD collaborative learning afternoon
- An open parent/carer session
- School-specific annual impact report
- Drama Tools for Great Communication CPD session for all staff
- End-of-year practical evaluation for two staff members
CPD Workshop / Taster Session – Wed 21 May
On Wed 21 May, 9.30am – 3.30pm, we’re inviting teachers and professionals working with children aged 5–7 to come along to Hall for Cornwall and experience Speech Bubbles firsthand. The morning will look at how you can use story-based focus to develop dance, creativity, literacy, and emotional skills with Key Stage 1 children. The afternoon is led by Speech Bubbles founder Adam Annand to explore how to use drama to enhance speech, language, and communication in your classroom. Join us for a half or full day. Details below:
Wed 21 May, 9.30am – 3.30pm
Cost: £20 full day / £10 for half day
Great for: Primary teachers, people working with children in education or therapeutic settings, speech and language therapists, or similar
Find out more (including workshop structure and timings) and book your place here
Header art by Liz Atkin.