Addressing speech, language and communication needs is an important first step in enabling children to reach their full potential
Studies show that the need for Speech and Language Therapy is growing and there is substantial evidence that shows the long-term impact that SLCN has on academic, behavioural, social and emotional development. Addressing SLCN alongside inclusive, quality first classroom practice are crucial steps to improving learning outcomes.
C&D Independent Speech & Language Therapy is our affiliated service that works with schools to develop their ability to help children and young people with a range of SLCN needs. Areas of support include: children with speech sound delay/disorders, receptive and/or expressive language difficulties, social communication difficulties, including Autistic Spectrum Condition, and those with poor attention and listening or auditory processing/memory difficulties.
C&D’s fully qualified therapists work in partnership with you using evidence-based practice to provide bespoke support. They work with children from EYFS through to Key Stage 5 and collaborate with NHS therapists and other services to ensure the best outcomes for the child. School leaders, SENCOs and all staff are also supported to develop their skills, review and improve practice and establish whole-school approaches to address speech and language issues.
Schools can commission this service using their notional SEN budget Pupil Premium grant or catch up premium.
- Identification through consultation with head teacher and SENCO to agree bespoke plan
- An assessment period to pinpoint areas of difficulty and inform targets
- A programme of tailored intervention therapy for the child or groups
- Review process using a target tracker tool to show impact and progress made by each child
- End of year report collating all progress information for the academic year for SENCO to report back to SLT, which includes both qualitative and quantitative data.
C&D follow the Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists recommendation of a three tiered approach within schools. This includes:
- whole-school support to benefit all students
- training and improving skills for staff on how to promote language and communication for all
- targeted support for students identified as ‘at-risk’ or with mild SLCN, perhaps as part of a wider learning need
- setting up/supporting intervention groups and advising indirect work to be carried out by member of staff
- specialist support for those students with identified SLCN, via direct support/therapy from therapist.
- Bronze – 19 half day sessions of 3.5 hours duration – half day per fortnight
- Silver – 19 one day sessions of 7.5 hours duration – one day per fortnight
- Gold – 38 half day sessions of 3.5 hours duration – half day per week
- Platinum – 38 one day sessions of 7.5 hours duration – one day per week
Support can also be purchased on a pay-as-you-go basis. We can also provide a bespoke cluster package including cluster training alongside support days across a number of schools.