Speech Sound Mapping
Word Mapping Mastery for All Neuro-Types
We understand children who think differently.
Who learn differently.
Who want to be taught differently.
But we don't just understand this - we celebrate it.
And we choose to teach differently too.
Our trained teachers are Word Mapping Whisperers!
Speech Sound Mapping (SSM) now in England - ask about Word Mapping Mastery teacher training
— Easier Word Mapping - The NeuroAlternative that 'Just Makes Sense'! Word Mapping Mastery for ALL
Teacher Training with Emma Hartnell-Baker
A reading and spelling provision that specifically addresses gaps in word mapping support for neurodivergent children whose orthographic knowledge learning needs are not being met through synthetic phonics programmes. Schools, SENCOs, parents, and carers can request that Speech Sound Mapping (SSM) be included in an EHC plan, ensuring full funding.
Is Your Child Wonderfully Different? Get in Touch to Find a Different Kind of Teacher—a Learning Whisperer®
As advocates for inclusion, we are passionate about ensuring that every child can be heard, which is why we have developed 'MySpeekie', the world’s first one-screen AAC device for non-speaking, suitable for toddlers and pre-school-aged children. Not only does it produce the words and sentences each child chooses to build (not limited by picture symbols or whole words), but children also intuitively learn the foundations of reading and spelling: word mapping. Speech Sound Mapping facilitates the connection between spoken and written English in a completely unique way.
At The Reading Hut Ltd we also understand that many children in the UK face challenges mapping words with one-size-fits-all synthetic phonics before finding success. That’s why we offer something different for school-aged children—visual and linguistic phonics, a revolutionary method designed by Emma Hartnell-Baker, the neurodivergent Reading Whisperer®. Our approach immerses children in engaging and personally interesting ways to connect sounds and letters, empowering them to develop reading and spelling skills with renewed confidence. Watch this free webinar delivered by Emma via PATOSS 'Perspectives on Teaching Phonics from a Neurodivergent Person
'Miss Emma' is a former 'Outstanding' nursery owner with a passion for child-centred, play-based learning. She holds a BEd Hons (Specialism the Early Years 3- 7) a Masters Degree (Level 7) in Special Educational Needs and is a fourth-year doctoral researcher, delivering training for SENDCos. Having been an OFSTED Inspector and then spending ten years in Australia supporting school-wide literacy improvement, Emma’s mission is to improve the mental health of neurodivergent children, who face huge challenges in systems designed by and for neurotypical individuals. As an Innovate UK grant winner Emma Hartnell-Baker has designed the world's first one-screen AAC tech for non-speaking autistic children!
As an AuDHD woman, Emma brings her lived experiences of feeling like a fish out of water in school. Her strong moral compass drives her to speak out about the needs of children, even when it makes those in education systems uncomfortable. Emma believes that most children who struggle with reading and spelling is an instructional casualty who has been failed by adults—no matter how well-intentioned. She is a fighter for every child’s right to be heard and to learn in a way that works for them.
How to Include Personalised Learning in Your Child’s EHC Plan
Parents can request Speech Sound Mapping as part of their child’s Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan during reviews or assessments. See how this is working for Alf, in Bournemouth!
Here’s how:
Discuss Your Child’s Needs: During their EHC plan review, talk with the school or SENCO about how our immersive visual and linguistic phonics approach can more effectively meet your child’s unique learning needs.
Add Us to the EHC Plan: The school or SENCO can recommend Speech Sound Mapping Ltd to be included in the EHC plan, providing your child with the specialist reading and spelling support they need.
Tailored Learning Experience: Once included, we’ll work closely with you, your child, and their school to ensure a personalised learning journey tailored to their needs.
Safeguarding and SEND Compliance
At The Reading Hut Ltd, we are committed to safeguarding and fully comply with the SEND Code of Practice (2015).
This includes:
Enhanced DBS Checks: All staff undergo enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.
SEND Code of Practice Alignment: Our immersive approach is personalised to meet each child’s specific needs, ensuring effective outcomes through collaboration with families and schools.
Measurable Progress: We regularly assess and report on your child’s progress, helping them meet the educational goals outlined in their EHC plan.
Our immersive methods help children discover the joy of language and learning in a more engaging and personally meaningful way. At The Reading Hut we make learning to read and spell an exciting and transformative journey. Children explore the whole code - not just the grapheme-phoneme correspondences covered within synthetic phonics programmes.
If you’re ready for your child to experience a different way of learning, with their own Learning Whisperer® contact us today to explore how we can be included in their EHC plan.
Support@SpeechSoundMapping.com
MySpeekie® for
Non-Speaking Children
The world's first one-screen AAC tech for children who cannot (yet) read and spell.
Speech Sound Mapping from Birth
