Schools Outreach

Understanding the current pressures faced by educational settings, the Speech and Language Therapy team at the University of Sheffield provides outreach support to local schools while offering hands-on clinical training for our student therapists.

This initiative is delivered by a dedicated team of speech and language therapists: Hattie Powis, Sarah Spencer, Alex Zosimidou, Carla Rohde, and Judy Clegg.

What is offered?

We offer comprehensive speech, language, and communication support to local schools—including targeted language groups, communication-supporting environment guidance, and direct Speech and Language Therapy (SLT). This support is delivered primarily through structured placements with our final-year master’s students (MMedSci Speech and Language Therapy).   

To ensure we adapt to local educational needs, we also offer flexible, voluntary student placements designed to deliver bespoke support aligned with a school's specific priorities. We are always eager to collaborate with schools on initiatives that jointly benefit school pupils and the professional development of our student therapists. Please note: voluntary placements are capacity dependent.   

Included within our offering is the Language Enrichment Activity Programme (LEAP), an evidence-based group language intervention designed for Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children with speech, language, and communication needs. Developed by speech and language therapists at the Sheffield Children’s NHS Trust, LEAP has been successfully delivered by our students in local schools since 2019 (founded by Laura Pearce, Sarah Spencer, Alice Woods, and Judy Clegg). You can read our published evaluation of the programme here.

How to find out more?

If you would like more information or if your school is interested in taking part, please contact Hattie Powis at h.powis@sheffield.ac.uk and Sarah Spencer sarah.spencer@sheffield.ac.uk.

If you are a family or school wanting support for a school-aged child please contact Sarah Spencer or fill in this referral form.