Speech and Language Therapy

The Speech and Language Therapy Team works closely with the Academy Communication Team and school staff to support students’ communication and participation throughout the school day.

We support not only our students, but also the staff and environments around them, helping to create the right conditions for effective communication.

Universal Support

Universal Support is available across the school and in classrooms. We work with teachers and support staff to use strategies that develop students’ language, communication and participation.

This includes:

• ongoing training and modelling for staff
• using visual supports such as Topic Boards and the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)
• supporting early communication skills through Intensive Interaction
• developing language and social communication skills
• helping staff use effective communication strategies across different lessons and activities.

Targeted Support

Targeted Support provides more specific strategies for students who need additional help with communication, eating or drinking.

This may include:

• eating and drinking training
• language groups
• social skills groups
• Lego groups for students with autism
• PECS and visual support training
• meeting with parents and carers at coffee mornings.

Specialist Support

Specialist Support is available for students who have needs that require additional support beyond the universal and targeted approaches already in place.

This may include:

• assessment
• developing individual intervention programmes
• working with parents and carers
• making referrals to specialist services
• safeguarding support
• reviewing students through specialist feeding and communication clinics.

Working Together

We work across the Academy to make sure staff feel confident using the most appropriate communication strategies in the classroom and throughout the school day.

We believe that supporting students to communicate at their best means supporting the people around them too. By working together with students, families and staff, we can create an environment where every student has the opportunity to communicate, participate and thrive.