Early Years Progression

It can be difficult to know all the signs of SLCN to look out for. Our Mable Early Years Language and Communication Screener (MELCS) is a a research-driven digital tool designed to screen children for signs of SLCN.

What it is

Screen, Review, Support, Re-Screen

Consisting of five fun, gamified activities for your pupils to complete, you’ll receive a ‘RAG-Rated’ report on how each pupil performed, along with recommendations for next steps, as well as targeted small-group interventions for those pupils who require it.

1. Screen Pupils

Pupils complete the screener activities in school.

2. Review

Once completed, each pupils' answers will be reviewed by one of our specialist speech and language therapists here at Mable, who will provide a RAG-rating and report - both for the pupil, and the whole-class within 3 weeks of the screener being completed.

3. Support

Based on the report recommendations, pupils scoring amber may participate in intervention groups, while those scoring red may be advised to receive a full 1:1 speech and language assessment. Small-group interventions are intended to be delivered by teaching staff, with further details available in the screener package (see below).

4. Re-Screen

Once pupils have received support, re-screening can help to assess progress.

Plus classroom resources

Universal resources for every child, including the ones who screen green.

Why MELCS?

Every child gets a clear next step, not just a score

Per-pupil RAG-rating, next-step recommendations, plus a class report across receptive language, expressive language, speech sounds and social communication. Comparable across classes, schools, or whole multi-academy trusts.

Red

Pupils who score red will be recommended a full 1:1 speech and language assessment.

Amber

Targeted, small-group interventions (see below for more) may be recommended to pupils who score Amber.

Green

No further intervention recommended at this stage.

See it for yourself

The screener, and the report it produces

Watch a gamified session · 90 sec

A class at a glance

Receptive language

22 green · 5 amber · 3 red

Expressive language

19 green · 8 amber · 3 red

Speech sounds

24 green · 4 amber · 2 red

Social communication

25 green · 4 amber · 1 red

Illustrative class report for 30 children. Compare classes, schools, or your whole trust.

‘Communicate Together’ intervention groups

For those pupils who score amber - we provide interventions in the form of two 'Communicate Together' intervention groups: 'Language Group' and 'Phonological Group'. Interventions are evidence-based group sessions your own staff can run in the format of targeted small group activities. Following completion of the interventions, we recommend re-screening pupils to track their progress.

Language group

For pupils who would benefit from support with language and social communication: present with delays with understanding, or with delays with use of language.

Phonological group

For pupils who would benefit from support for speech sound delays, minor speech sound errors, and phonological awareness needs.

Evidence-based Session plans included Targets multiple skills Adaptable themes Fun and engaging

FAQ

Good to know

Is MELCS evidence-based?

MELCS is research-driven and normed for ages 3 to 5, and the rescreen following the implementation of the targeted intervention is what evidences progress and provides further recommendations. To find out more about the rationale behind our MELCS tool, click here.

What are the next steps for children who screen red?

If a child receives a Red RAG rating in one or more areas of SLC, this indicates that, based on their responses during the screener, they were unable to demonstrate age-appropriate speech, language and communication skills. Children with a Red outcome should be referred to a Speech and Language Therapist for further assessment to determine whether they have an unidentified SLCN.

What are the next steps for children who screen amber?

Children with an overall Amber RAG rating will have scored Amber in at least one area of speech, language and communication. This suggests a possible delay in that area. The screener report will identify the specific area(s) of SLC requiring support. Schools are advised to implement the relevant Mable Targeted intervention for the identified communication area over a defined intervention block. Following completion of the intervention, the child should be re-screened. Only children who have completed a targeted intervention block should be re-screened. If, following targeted support, the child continues to receive an Amber rating, it is advised that the child continues with targeted support. However, if communication concerns continue, or the child receives a Red rating, further assessment from a Speech and Language Therapist may be required to determine whether they have an unidentified SLCN.

What are the next steps for children who screen green?

If a child receives a Green RAG rating across all areas of SLC, no further action is required. This indicates that the child’s speech, language and communication skills appear to be developing in line with age-related expectations. Children with a Green outcome should not be re-screened. All children, regardless of screening outcome, will still benefit from high-quality universal support.

Who runs the intervention groups?

The delivery of intervention groups will depend on each school’s staffing structure. Groups may be led by a class teacher, teaching assistant, or SENCo.

It is essential that the person delivering the intervention has completed the relevant training within the Mable Academy, including both the Universal and the appropriate Targeted courses.

Download our brochure

Discover how tailored speech and language support can help every pupil reach their potential.