Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

The department provides specialist support for pupils with specific speech, language and communication needs – children whose language skills are developing in an unusual and disordered manner, who have a significant discrepancy between their verbal and non-verbal skills, or who experience specific phonological (speech sound) difficulties.

The aim is to provide assessment, diagnosis, treatment and advice to pupils with speech, language and communication difficulties, their parents/carers and school staff, helping the pupils to make the most of their communication potential. Staff training is also implemented to strengthen the awareness and understanding of these pupils’ needs and ways of supporting them throughout the school day.

Direct support is provided in a range of different ways, depending on the pupils’ specific needs. The majority of language support is delivered in pairs or small groups, with some individual work if indicated, and a wide range of different language skills are covered over time. Children are grouped according to level of need and group work allows children to benefit from working with their peers while still receiving a high level of adult support. Group work also allows social and conversational skills to be taught and practised in context.