Speech Stars: Hnc Students Support Early Language Skills
12.06.2023
HNC has shared more about how a group of students are now working in the local community to help young children improve and develop their speech and language skills following specialist training with Speech Stars.
The Speech Stars programme is an exciting initiative that trains student volunteers to enable them to work with young children to support their early education. The programme does this by equipping volunteers to develop firm foundations in the early speech and language skills of they children that they support.
HNC students Grace B, Ameera F, Richie H, Zaynab M, Caitlyn S, Haleemah T and Charlene T have now commenced their voluntary placements across a number of local primary schools. The training has not only covered the techniques and skills students will need to support the young children they will be working with, but has also covered some of the reasons they may need support, including the impact of the pandemic and lockdowns. Over the coming weeks the group will be visited during their placements so that they can be supported to fulfil their roles.
Speech Stars Tutors Allison and Kate commented: “It was a pleasure to deliver to this group of learners! They were respectful, mindful and supportive of each other and the tutors and eager to learn. It was very interesting to hear them share their own experiences of lockdown and how this has affected their own communication skills. Great effort was made to find the placements for all the learners as soon as possible in order that the learning was fresh in their mind to deliver the programme as effectively as possible.”
Catherine Cushnie, Assistant Principal comments: “We are delighted that seven of our students have now completed their Speech Stars training and are now volunteering in the local community in such an important role. Whilst some are taking part in the programme because they aspire to work in teaching and the early years, a number of the group are taking part to simply give back by helping others. As a College, we work hard to ensure our students understand the power of volunteering, not only in terms of how it can make a difference to others, but also because it is a genuine way they can develop skills and knowledge beyond their academic studies. We look forward to hopefully working with Speech Stars again next year.”
To find out more about Speech Stars visit www.facebook.com/kirkleessuccesscentres
New Hey Road, Huddersfield, HD3 4GL
