Early Help and Social Care staff (Central Bedfordshire only)

Communication Champion Role:

A Communication Champion will be the link practitioner for colleagues within your team with regards to Speech, Language and Communication (SLC) as the ever-growing need of children with SLC continues.

Skills of a Champion:

  • Be passionate about the importance of children’s communication and language and recognise how communication is a fundamental lifelong skill for learning.
  • Have attended Talk for All, two-day course or virtual course run by Bedfordshire Speech and Language Therapy Service.
  • Attend half termly supervision/study groups to keep skills up to date (Communication Champion Forums).

Role of Champion:

  • Ensure parents are aware of any local support or information, i.e., contribute to the parent information board and or newsletter.
  • Support colleagues in their knowledge and give relevant information. Be available and willing to answer queries.
  • Have up to date knowledge of SLC. Maintain own CPD by attending half termly Communication Champion Forums, keeping up to date with new training and reading.
  • Highlight any training needs for self and or other staff members to management.
  • Ensure a focus on communication is maintained in staff meetings.
  • Develop activities and strategies to enhance children’s Communication and Language in your place of work.
  • Ensure a best practice approach with all staff in your locality in supporting children’s communication skills.
  • Refer children to Speech and Language Therapy in a timely manner, as appropriate.
  • Ensure liaison with outside agencies where appropriate, e.g., Inclusion Officers, Speech and Language Therapist, Audiology etc.

What Champions should know:

  • What resources are available that specifically support children’s SLC.
  • How the needs of individual children with SLC needs are being met.
  • If staff are confident in their practice around Communication and Language.
  • Who to liaise with and how and where to get support.

Interested?

To find out more about developing a Communication Champion in your team, the training available and dates of Communication Champion Forums, contact sue.rogers1@nhs.net