Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and language skills are developed by means of direct, intensive intervention, individually tailored to each child's needs.

Children receive 2-3 individual (20 minute) sessions per day targeting receptive language, expressive language, articulation, phonology, phonics and communication skills, as appropriate.

Most therapy sessions, including all speech work, are carried out directly by the speech and language therapists. Some additional language work is carried out by other staff, supported by senior therapy and teaching staff. Group sessions are used, whenever possible, to target comprehension and communication skills.

Individual programs are based on the Unit's core programs, and include a range of specialist approaches (e.g. Nuffield Dyspraxia Programme, development of oro-motor skills, training of phonological processing skills). Programs to develop feeding skills are used where appropriate. These are devised and monitored in conjunction with the occupational therapist.

Treatment programs are monitored on a day to day basis, and modified as necessary. Skilled, intensive therapy allow support and targets to be varied, minute by minute, to enable children with very fragile skills to consolidate and extend their skills, and gain in confidence.

Children are also supported to use their emerging speech, language and communication skills, in meaningful contexts, throughout the school day. A supportive and challenging environment is provided by specialist staff, who have high expectations for the children, but understand their difficulties. Signing is used throughout the Unit according to the needs of each child.

(Reproduced with kind permission of the Nuffield Hearing and Speech Centre, Copyright NHSC)