Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Helping Every Child Speak, Listen and Connect
Our school provides targeted support for students with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN), ensuring all children can fully access the curriculum. We offer a range of evidence-based interventions designed to develop crucial skills in speech production, comprehension, and social interaction.
Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) is a term used to describe a wide range of difficulties that can affect how a child communicates. These may include challenges with:
- Producing speech sounds clearly and accurately
- Stammering
- Voice difficulties, such as hoarseness or loss of voice
- Understanding language – making sense of what others say
- Using language – putting words and sentences together to express thoughts and ideas
- Social communication – interacting with others, understanding non-verbal cues, or using language appropriately in different situations
Every child with SLCN is unique. Some children may experience difficulties in just one area, while others may have challenges across several aspects of speech, language or communication. These needs can also change over time.
How We Support Speech, Language and Communication at Our School
At our school, we are committed to supporting all children’s communication skills. We work closely with our NHS Link Speech and Language Therapist, Andrea Hedges, and with Specialist Teachers from the Specialist Teaching and Learning Service (STLS).
Your child may meet Andrea during class sessions or around the school as part of her work with pupils and staff.
All of our staff have completed the “Supporting Primary School Children with SLCN” training and use recommended strategies and resources to meet pupils’ needs effectively.
Our SENDCo, Mrs Jackson, meets regularly with Andrea to review our school’s provision and ensure that we continue to strengthen speech and language support across the school.
Concerns About Your Child’s Communication
If you have any concerns about your child’s speech, language or communication, please speak first with your child’s class teacher.
If we share or identify a specific concern, we will discuss this together and, where appropriate, consult with our Link Speech and Language Therapist for further guidance and support.
The Balanced System
Across Kent, we have adopted the Balanced System® Framework to make sure that the right provisions are available for parents, carers and professionals to help children and young people develop their speech, language and communication skills.
We work together as a whole system which includes health visitors, early years settings, schools, specialist teaching services as well as speech and language therapy services.
The Balanced System® Framework is organised into five strands (left) and across three levels:
- Universal Support – strategies and approaches that benefit all pupils across the school. This includes creating a communication-friendly environment, using visual supports, and promoting good listening and speaking skills in every classroom.
- Targeted Support – additional help for pupils who have been identified by their class teacher as a cause for concern regarding their speech, language or communication development. This support may include specific interventions or small group sessions delivered by trained school staff.
- Specialist Support – more intensive, individualised support and resources for pupils with more complex needs. This may involve working closely with our NHS Link Speech and Language Therapist and other specialist professionals.