What is Infant Language Link?
Infant Language Link is an innovative, award-winning online assessment and intervention package used by schools to identify and support pupils, aged 4-8 years, with language and communication needs. It is also suitable for learners new to English.
The Infant Language Link standardised assessment is fun, quick and easily accessible. It is audio supported and looks at understanding of language across key areas including concept vocabulary, instructions and sentence structures. Instant results will identify children who need specialist support and recommend appropriate class and small group interventions so you can target help at the right level where it is most needed.
We believe that every child is unique. That’s why our programme is not a one size fits all solution. We take a tiered approach to intervention so you can provide effective support at the right level for each child. Our universal high quality teaching strategies and classroom resources allow teachers to support speech and language development across the whole class.
Recommended Usage
Educational Impact
 Company | Business Name: Speech Link Multimedia Ltd. HQ Location: United Kingdom Founded: 2003 |
| Age Range | 5-7 |
 Features | Standardised ResultsTargetted InterventionsProgress MeasuresIn-package ResourcesTrainingNo Waiting ListDynamic ReportingEvidence-basedWebinar TrainingUniversal AssessmentHelp Desk SupportSpeech And Language Therapist Support |
 Languages | English, Welsh |
 Accessibility | Moderate features |
 Policies |  Terms of ServicePrivacy PolicyGDPR |
 Requirements | Internet - High BandwidthDesktop - MacDesktop - WindowsDesktop - ChromebookDesktop - LinuxMobile - iPad Computer with internet connection (preferably a wired connection) and good quality speakers. |
 Set Up | Instant access |
 Training | Live OnlineWebinarsDocumentationVideos The programme includes six video training modules Termly, live training webinars, delivered by speech and language therapists. |
 Support | EmailFAQs/ForumKnowledge BasePhone Support |
| Home Learning | School must create the account. General information handouts are provided for parents and caregivers and include information on: -How and why the Language Link screening assessment is used -How parents can support a child who is having difficulty understanding language -The sort of problems some children have developing speech and language and -Gives ideas on how parents can support a child who is having difficulty developing expressive language |
 Tags | LanguageResourcesInterventionsEvidenceSEND |
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Infant Language Link PricingPricing Plans Free TrialPaid Subscription Infant Language Link pricing starts from £375 / year Annual Subscription £375 (+VAT) for one school, this includes unlimited student assessments, our interventions, staff training and access to our Speech & Language Help Desk. In the first year you will also receiver our ‘Spread the Discounts are available after the first year and the more of our packages you have, the bigger the discount. We have small school pricing if your intake year is less than 20 pupils – ask the Help Desk for details: helpdesk@speechlink.co.uk  Optimised for a quick response | |
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Infant Language Link Reviews
from 35 Verified Reviews
User rating
Country
Dec 2022
The information given and resources provided are clear and presentable.
Jill Goldsmith found Infant Language Link:
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“N/A”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“Listening skills are improved”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge“N/A”
Jul 2022
In language link the resources are not always clear what area they are used for as well as explaining how to use them.
Tess and Danielle found Infant Language Link:
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“As there are allocated staff members for speech and language the teachers workload will decrease as assessments and resources are done by the Salt staff.”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“The language link will enhance the child's progress in early years which will lead to greater teaching efficiency.”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“Teachers have input into the progress measures therefore they are able to track the child's progress as well as having access to all other data.”
Apr 2022
The assessment gives an accurate picture of each child's needs and level of understanding. As a whole year group screening tool, it enables us to quickly identify those children who need to be seen by a therapist and also those children who would benefit from intervention at a lower level. We re-assess those children who we have ongoing concerns about throughout their time at the federation and refer to our findings often in pupil progress meetings.
Caroline Thorne found Infant Language Link :
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“Identifies difficulties to be addressed without delay and without the need for additional teacher assessments. We use it as a whole year group screening tool.”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“The children with difficulties are identified quickly and support is put in place to maximise the use of teaching hours.”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“The assessment encourages dialogue between staff members and therefore has a positive impact on the understanding of childrens' difficulties in this area.”
Tara
Leader of Learning Inclusion (SENDCO)
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 1-2 years
Mar 2022
I think the assessment is effective, can be used when working with SALTs, private and NHS. Intervention resources are easy to follow, fun and effective.
Tara found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Gives clear indication of who needs support and excellent resources to support learners”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“Provides resources to help teachers in their day to day teaching”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge
Mar 2022
inputting data such as language link effectiveness can be long winded as there is no option but to jump between groups/year groups.
jane notley found Infant Language Link :
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“language link can be administered by other trained individuals”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“informs the teacher of learning gaps and also progress of individuals”
Mrs Pauline Glover
Learning Support Assistant
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 5 years+
Mar 2022
the resources are colourful and engaging. The activities don't go on for too long, and having smaller groups to work with means all pupils have a chance to answer questions.
Mrs Pauline Glover found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“in English the pupils have a better understanding on how to use language structure in their writing”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“the teachers can link the work the pupils have covered in the language intervention to class work”
Sandra Russell
Teaching Assistant
Used Infant Language Link daily for 5 years+
Feb 2022
There is a wealth of high quality resources, there are plenty of clear instructions and 'how to' videos to ensure successful delivery of language screening and programmes, there is a parent portal page where parents can access further support and ideas and above all, there is real impact and improvement made on children's language and understanding.
Sandra Russell found Infant Language Link :
- Slightly reduces teacher workload
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“There is plenty of information and ideas for supporting children in class and meeting their specific needs”
Mandy Malik
SLCN/Early Help coordinator
Used Infant Language Link monthly for 3-4 years
Feb 2022
It helps to identify children with SLCN needs and gives strategies/classroom resources. It also provides a parent portal to help children at home.
Mandy Malik found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Assessments are completed, feedback is given and interventions groups are run.”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“Strategies are put in place to support children.”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge“Feedback is given and any necessary classroom support.”
Wendy
Assistant SENDCo
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 3-4 years
Feb 2022
The assessment is a useful tool although it is very long. The sessions are planned and resourced well, the recording of data is good. I don't like that too often games are repeated quickly. The children remember and say they've done it already!
Wendy found Infant Language Link :
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“No need for planning of sessions for intervention”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“Repeated lesson improve my delivery, resources are available and recording is good”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge
Annette Bruce
Reception class teacher and SENCO
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 1-2 years
Feb 2022
It has been very useful both as an assessment tool and then having all the resources available to put an intervention in place for those children who need it.
Annette Bruce found Infant Language Link :
- Does not significantly reduce teacher workload“Getting resources ready or releasing TA to get ready means they are not supporting in class.”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“If the children I am teaching have a better understanding of language then I can move on rather than having to ensure certain children have the right language to understand the lesson.”
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“Where there are real gaps in children's language knowledge for example with textures of food.”
Mrs Sharon Jones
Teaching Assistant
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 5 years+
Feb 2022
Easy to assess pupils and colourful resources to work on targets
Mrs Sharon Jones found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Ready made resources and activities allow for less preparation time.”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“Step by step guides allow for consistency in delivering language like across foundation phase”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge“NA”
joanne
Speech and language TA
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 3-4 years
Jan 2022
I think its very helpful easy to use and understand. the information and paper print outs are very helpful too.
joanne found Infant Language Link :
- Does not significantly reduce teacher workload“just talking to the parents”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“they know what standard they are at with there understanding”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“they can understand where they are up to with there sounds and understanding”
Kim
HLTA
Used Infant Language Link occasionally for 1-2 years
Jan 2022
I've found it an extremely useful resource
Kim found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Having the resources ready and available”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“Having the plans already available”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“As you work through it, you become more knowledgeable to then apply that to your teaching”
Jan 2022
I have found this resource amazing over the years, it has helped me to develop my understanding of all areas of language and speech difficulties. To support me in helping my school team to support our children with SLCN. Which supports our children so they are able to access the curriculum.
Sandra Webb found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“I assess the children if the teachers are concerned about a child's learning.”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“Helps what interventions are needed for a child, allowing myself to give resources to the teacher and TA. This helps the teacher and TA in the understanding of which area the child might be having difficulties. In year R we assesses all the children, also late comers who join our school. When we have completed the interventions we have seen great results with the children's understanding of Language improved.”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“Yes, this supports the Teacher and TA's understanding of the difficulties, types of Speech and Language areas there are. Also support them with teaching.”
Angela
Speech and language lead
Used Infant Language Link daily for 5 years+
Dec 2021
Excellent resource
Angela found Infant Language Link :
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“Lesson plans easy to follow all resources ready to go”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency“Due to the ease it saves me time”
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“Gives an insight to child's struggles”
Dec 2021
Easy to use, relevant resources, excellent customer service & helpful parental support.
Nesta Clement found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Resources ready to print”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“Session instructions are easy for ALL staff to follow”
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“Yes - provided teachers make themselves familiar with the programme rather than leaving it entirely to support staff doing the intervention”
Su Howell
Teaching assistant
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 5 years+
Dec 2021
The children enjoy the small groups and I enjoy facilitating them. They have always passed the second assessment.
Su Howell found Infant Language Link :
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“I run the groups and feedback to the teaching staff”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency“Improved listening skills”
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“It highlights the areas of language that the children need support with so understanding the teachers understanding if for example, a child finds questions difficult”
Jack
Inclusion Manager
Used Infant Language Link occasionally for 3-4 years
Nov 2021
We find it really beneficial as a school and see the gains.
Jack found Infant Language Link :
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“Completing the pre intervention paperwork and entering the results from the group onto the system.”
- Moderately improves teaching efficiency“Structured support in place.”
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge“Information on the website”
Kim Clements
Specialist speech and language TA
Used Infant Language Link daily for 7–12 months
Nov 2021
I think infant language link is an amazing tool for primary schools to use, the resources are vast and easy for anyone to grab and go with
Kim Clements found Infant Language Link :
- Slightly reduces teacher workload“Pupils have specific targets to work on”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“All resources are available to print and use, giving more time for pupil interaction”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“There is a lot of information that some staff have never come across before”
Rebecca
senco
Used Infant Language Link monthly for 5 years+
Nov 2021
an effective assessment tool but lengthy for whole class assessment
Rebecca found Infant Language Link :
- Does not significantly reduce teacher workload“the assessment as very long”
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency“highlights gaps”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“highlights gaps”
Becky Evans
SENCO
Used Infant Language Link monthly for 5 years+
Oct 2021
Infant Lanaguage Link is a very useful screening tool
Becky Evans found Infant Language Link :
- Does not reduce teacher workload“Fitting in intervention time is always very difficult in a small school”
- Does not significantly improve teaching efficiency
- Moderately improves teacher knowledge
tracey nairn
SENDCO
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 1-2 years
Oct 2021
useful screening tool and early intervention suggestions prepares you for discussions with therapists
tracey nairn found Infant Language Link :
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“screening tool means we are equipped to create intervention groups”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency“as workload really”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge“it has supported greater understanding of differing terms and SLC needs”
Alice Greening
Reception teacher
Used Infant Language Link weekly for 5 years+
Sep 2021
I am afraid I really don’t like using Language link in Reception. I find the assessment very time consuming and sometimes erratic in its response. It flags up children who have no difficulties day to day and misses those that do. I find the questions ambiguous and have some issues with the gender bias in the pictures and questions, as well as the clarity of the images and questions for this age children. I then find the group work unmanageable in terms of resource preparation and time taken out of the classroom. I feel with more explanation of why a particular child has been picked up, with actual examples of their needs, along with classroom strategies rather than intervention would work much better in EYFS.
Alice Greening found Infant Language Link :
- Does not reduce teacher workload“It generates a huge amount of work with the preparation of resources for intervention groups. The photocopying and setting up scenes, finding items etc. The language link assessment takes at least 20 mins per child which takes a teacher or ta away from the class impacting on workload.”
- Does not improve teaching efficiency“It is very time consuming for the outcome. A 20 minute session could be done within the classroom in 5 minutes. The planning is very wordy and doesn’t really explain what the outcome of the activities are.”
- Does not improve teacher knowledge“It just generates a program without explanation of how and why it has reached those conclusions, without specific examples, and nor what the expected outcome in the classroom in practical terms should be.”
Rachael White
ta
Used Infant Language Link daily for 5 years+
Sep 2021
have been using speech and language link for years and have always found it useful and the children find it engaging.
Rachael White found Infant Language Link :
- Moderately reduces teacher workload“if the child has better communication /language skills they can access the curriculum making the workload easier”
- Slightly improves teaching efficiency“access curriculum independently”
- Slightly improves teacher knowledge“not always aware of slcn strategies etc”
Jun 2020
Quite simply, the assessment and resource package, is one of the best I've seen, and I have been working in schools for over 30 years. The assessments give an accurate overview of each child's abilities and where we can put in extra support. They also indicate if a child needs referring to the Speech and language Therapy Department. This means we can create groups of children with similar needs and use small group time to target and support the children's needs, and help them to reach their full potential. The colourful resources used throughout the language Link programmes are engaging and endearing. They are clear and appropriate to the task. The lesson plans are easy to follow, and give clear indications on how to score, so that we track the children's progress using SMART targets. The graphs and class overviews enable the Teachers to see if there are any overall targets that the children need to work on as a whole class - and again, tracking and proving progress are self-explanatory. We use the assessment data as part of the SaLT referral process because the score, data and recommendations are clear which allow us to safely refer in the knowledge that we have quality evidence to back up our referrals. The online groups help my team of TAs to track the work they do with their groups of children - which not only helps improve and progress the children's knowledge, but also is proof of their own CPD. The regular tracking sheets can also support investigation into other areas of need - "Why is little Toby always quiet in his Monday group?" the record keeping lead to a pattern of every Monday being a tough day for this child - and the connections were made (he saw his other - estranged - parent on Sundays) - which meant we could put some pastoral support in place.
Julie Steele found Infant Language Link:
- Significantly improves teaching efficiency and productivity“When the Teacher understands the difficulties that an SEN child may have, the Teacher can change and adapt their way of teaching to suit the child's needs. For example, an SEN child who doesn't understand 'first/next/last' will not be able to sequence a CVC word such as 'cat'. Asking the child to put 'c' first, 'a' next and 't' last will have no meaning to this child. The child needs to understand what 'first' means and how it relates to the word 'cat'. That's where the language link assessments work their magic. It shows us the gaps and the misunderstandings and helps us to tailor support to each individual child.”
- Significantly reduces teacher workload“Language Link has the most amazing resources. Beautifully drawn illustrations, perfect visuals which help the Teacher to support the child on the learning journey. Colourful pictures 'showing' the meaning of words/phrases which scaffold the learning for the child - and all prepared for the Teacher by Language Link - there - at a click of the button and I have a complete set of resources to help my SEN child understand the concept of 'tall' or 'in front', or how to answer a 'why' question, or how to produce a 3 WL sentence i.e. 'the cat is asleep on the bed'. I have seen SEN and EAL children suddenly start talking. The beautiful resources help make learning safe for the children, and save adults an awful lot of time in making.”
- Significantly improves teacher knowledge and skills“The amount of Teachers who have said 'Oh wow, I didn't know that' when I've used the Language Link data and resources to explain why their pupil is not writing in full sentences. Or why their pupil has not followed the instruction - and it goes from - "I'm sure he is choosing to ignoring me - he can hear his friends when they talk to him", and it changes to - "So, I was using too many words, and I was speaking too fast?" Once this Teacher realised and changed his way of speaking to the particular child, he was surprised as how well the child could listen and follow instructions. During a Staff CPD meeting, I used the language resources to help Teachers understand that the order in which they gave an instructions, had a negative impact on the child with language difficulties; the child who did not understand the word 'before' "Before you put your books away, colour in your smiley" (and who would get in trouble for not listening) - now understood the instructions, as my colleagues now gave instructions in the order they want them completed.”
