- Following an accepted referral, a Speech and Language Therapist will offer an initial assessment for the child, to identify any speech, language and communication needs. This may take place in clinic, in school or online in a virtual appointment.
- Communication targets will be agreed for the child and a ‘Package of Support’ will be offered. The ‘Package of Support’ will include everything the child needs, to work towards the agreed target within an agreed timeframe.
This could include:
– Suggested strategies and techniques to support the child’s communication in their everyday environment
– Training workshops for teaching staff and/or parents to learn about these strategies and techniques
– Suggestion, guidance or provision of communication tools such as visual supports
– Modelling Sessions with a therapist or support practitioner to demonstrate strategies and tools.
– Review with a therapist or support practitioner to ensure the plan and strategies are well understood, embedded and communication is progressing.
*Remember – every package of support will be different, depending on the needs of the child at that given time.*
- Once the package of support has been completed and the therapist is confident everything is in place to help the child to meet their communication targets, the package of support may be closed to enable the work on communication to continue in the child’s everyday environment OR the child may need another package of support.
*Ending a package of support does not always mean there is no longer a communication need – it just means the therapist is confident everything is now in place for the child to meet their current target.
- If things change or there are new concerns that require support, a new request for support can be made by contacting the service.
The Speech and Language Therapy team are highly skilled and dedicated to supporting speech, language and communication for children and young people.
A Speech and Language Therapist will always offer a ‘package of support’ individually tailored to best meeting the needs of the child for them to progress.
Communication is such a huge part of a child’s everyday environment, progress requires input from everyone important in the child’s life; from parents/carers to teachers and school staff. The Speech and Language Therapy team are committed to working together with everyone, to best support the child.
Click here for our leaflet on accessing informal advice. Click here for our guide on what you can do while you wait for an appointment. Click here for our leaflet detailing waiting times.
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