Outreach and Training Packages

The assessment and development centre can also, by arrangement offer advice and customised packages for accredited training, CPD and outreach services. The centre is in partnership with Edge Hill University and training delivered from the centre is accredited by the University.

Communication Training

This training is provided by qualified Speech and language Therapists. The aims of the training are to increase understanding of what communication involves, to increase understanding/awareness of communication deficits and to increase awareness of how to optimise communication. The topics covered in this training include:

• What is communication?
• What effects communication?
• What is comprehension?
• What is expression?
• What is social communication?
• How does this affect children/ young people?
• What can we do to help?

Termly Communication Training updates

These update sessions act as refreshers as well as providing opportunities for issues raised to be addressed. Further support is given to help to adapt a curriculum and how to integrate a communication focus into all curriculum areas.

Teacher Advice

We can provide specialist teachers that have training and experience in working with pupils/students with communication impairment. They can be available to provide information to teaching staff on many topics that result from trying to adapt curriculum subjects for communication impairment. These topics can include:

• Adapting objectives for communication impaired individuals
• Simplifying language in the classroom
• Using visual strategies to support verbal information.

Speech and Language Assessment

A qualified Speech and Language Therapist will take a detailed case history and do formal and informal assessments to develop a detailed communication profile. Following this assessment a detailed report will be written. This will include a Speech and language diagnosis and will detail recommendations and advice. Any referral for SALT assessment must be accompanied by parental consent.

Speech and Language Advice

Following an assessment and report being given it will be necessary for a qualified Speech and Language Therapist to meet with appropriate staff to explain the contents of the written report and to provide additional information on how to support the individual within the context of education/social life.

Speech and Language Intervention

Assessment may have identified that a pupil/student requires direct Speech and Language Therapy intervention to improve their communication skills. This may take the form of individual therapy, group therapy or support within the classroom. This would be provided for a half term with a review assessment included twelve weeks after the last intervention session.

Additional Specialist Training

These sessions can be a tailored made package to supply a range of advice an input into specialist areas that impact on children and young people in school. This could include Occupational therapy / Educational Psychology / or a combination of these in conjunction with Speech and Language therapy Outreach professionals will work in partnership to meet with appropriate staff from your school to discuss issues around young people and their access to the curriculum.