Speech and Language Therapy support in Schools

types of therapy in Schools

Hannah uses Universal Targeted Specialsit intervention approach within schools:

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Universal

This involves working with teaching staff to ensue that children are constantly and consistently surrounded by people who are able to:​

• Support speech, language and communication development

• Maximise current receptive and expressive language skills– at home and in the classroom

• Identify when a child may have a SLCN and know how to access speech and language therapy services.

Targeted

This involves focusing on those children where universal input is not enough. It is an approach for children and young people known to have a SLCN (or at risk of developing such needs) and/or where there is a risk of educational, emotional or other difficulties arising as a result of their SLCN.

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For children with known SLCN, targeted level support generally involves the Speech and Language Therapist:

• ‘Up-skilling’ parents, teachers and classroom assistants. This will enable them to develop different aspects of speech and language development (such as increasing vocabulary, asking questions or expressing feelings appropriately).

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• Working with teachers and classroom assistants, to adapt their language and teaching materials, so that the child and young people can better understand what they are learning. This will support children to feel confident to join in with lessons.

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• Monitoring speech, language and communication development, through termly discussion with school staff. This will enable Hannah to offer support and advice on how to overcome particular difficulties and move forward.

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Children receiving targeted levels of therapy, may still require direct input from a Speech and Language Therapist. This will be discussed with parents and school staff, if the child is not showing progress.

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Specialist

This approach is provided to children and young people with complex Speech, Language and Communication Needs. This approach requires a more detailed programme, than what is provided through the universal or targeted provision.

Children are seen by the Speech and Language Therapist individually or in a group. This will be monitored through detailed assessment and child-centred programmes, that are integrated within their day-to-day school routine as well as home activities.

Plan of provision:​

• Direct therapy- This is carried out by a Speech and Language Therapist. this will either be 1:1 or group work, depending on what is the most to suitable support the child or young persons needs.​

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• Indirect therapy - This will be provided by trained members of school staff.  Those providing indirect therapy will be directed and supervised by the Speech and Language Therapist. The programmes will be monitored by school staff,  and will be  adapted based on the progress that the child makes.

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​School Training

I provide in school staff training, to both support staff and teaching staff to help the development of children's speech, language and communication needs (SCLN) within your school.

Want to know more? Have a look at my recent training day, at the Harris Federation Spring 2024 conference.

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