Suggestions for the SENDCO for Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Last Updated - August 20, 2023
Suggestions for the SENDCO for Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Support staff/parents/carers to identify need:
enable parents/carers and staff to understand typical speech, language and communication development
provide access to recommended screening tools to enable professionals to identify need and plan provision
Plan and implement targeted support, seeking advice from external services as necessary (e.g., Speech and Language Therapists, Educational Psychologists, Early Language Consultants and/or Advisory Teachers)
Ensure that appropriate targeted interventions are explicitly planned for and delivered on a rolling programme
These should be a minimum of twice a week and measure impact, prior to considering a referral to external specialists. Not all children/young people with speech, language and communication needs will require a referral to Speech and Language Therapy for a specialist assessment.
Identify training requirements and provide training for all relevant members of staff to ensure interventions and approaches are effectively delivered
Use an evidenced-based audit the key skills and knowledge needed to support the speech, language and communication development of all children and young people
Continue the cycle of support (assess, plan, do, review)
Consider the link with wider agencies supporting the child/young person/family (e.g., Children’s Centres)
