Training for Schools and Settings

Elklan offers tailored accredited training programmes for the whole school or setting to become Communication Friendly Settings.

It is also possible to commission Elklan to deliver training to your staff in any of the full range of Elklan's externally accredited training courses.

Communication Friendly Settings

Early Years

Primary

Secondary

Special

Elklan’s Communication Friendly Settings (CFS) Programme is a nationally accredited training pathway designed to empower educational settings to develop high-quality and inclusive practices to support children and young people’s speech, language and communication. This initiative supports settings in building a deeper understanding of speech, language, and communication development, ensuring that staff are equipped to support all children but particularly those with speech, language, and communication needs.

CFS accreditation is awarded to settings that support their staff in acquiring knowledge and skills around communication and language development. The programme adopts a whole-setting approach, ensuring that communication-friendly practices are embedded into everyday learning environments and routines at a universal level of provision.

Achieving CFS status not only enhances the learning experience for children but also promotes staff collaboration, skill development, and the creation of an inclusive, supportive environment. Whether you are an Early Years setting, a Primary or Secondary school, or a Special Setting, Elklan’s CFS programme can help you create an environment that promotes communication for every child or young person.

Why Choose the CFS Programme?

Better Outcomes for Children
Support all children's speech and language development, including those with additional needs.

Improved Practice
Provide all your staff with CPD in developing their practice and setting environment.

Teacher in secondary education interacting with pupils

Whole-Setting Accreditation
Have named staff members with nationally accredited training in developing speech language and communication.

How Does CFS Work?

The CFS programme follows a flexible and structured format that allows settings to complete training within one to two academic years. It begins with training key staff members, who then cascade their learning to the rest of the team. This approach ensures that communication-friendly practices are adopted across the entire setting.

Upon completion, settings receive Communication Friendly accreditation, which is valid for three years. This prestigious status demonstrates your commitment to creating communication-rich environments that support all children’s learning and development.