Find Your Voice is a collaborative group combining Music Therapy and Speech and Language Therapy, designed to support pupils in developing their communication skills.
Five pupils were referred to the group through their Annual Reviews, as they were beginning to express themselves more actively – whether through spoken words, vocalisations or communicative gestures such as Makaton signing.
Group aims
- Encourage the use of voice, sounds and words to communicate through music
- Support choice-making and the ability to express preferences
- Foster social awareness and the development of peer relationships
- Build independence in maintaining attention and remaining seated
- Enable participation in structured activities involving two or more steps or sequences
Significant outcomes and achievements
- Making clear and intentional choices during sessions
- Choosing to remain in the Therapy Room for the full duration without needing breaks
- Following one-step and two-step instructions
- Accepting and following a flexible agenda led by adults
- Developing social awareness of both peers and adults
- Sharing and taking turns with others
- Expanding vocabulary through the use of books, pictures and word cards during sessions
In addition, two pupils’ reading abilities were identified during group sessions, which helped establish a baseline for their literacy skills. Over the course of the year, the children also showed increased ability to predict and anticipate activities, which led to greater participation and more spontaneous use of play skills.
By Gemma Lenton-Smith, Clinical Lead
“When she saw the symbol for the group she showed excitement and transitioned to the group with ease. She enjoyed looking with anticipation and joy at her friends taking turns in various activities.
I noticed how much more eye contact she was giving and her overall demeanor was relaxed and happy. She especially liked making different sounds into the microphone and watching my mouth when I was talking to her. I personally feel she gained so much from the sessions and blossomed with confidence.” – Teaching Assistant, Mandeville School