Communication offer for young people

All children and young people are entitled to

Quality first teaching to challenge and develop ALL children including those with speech, language and communication needs
Staff with knowledge of the typical developmental stages for speech, language and communication and the implications for teaching and learning
Staff who understand the effect of language development that does not follow a typical pattern
Teachers who are aware of and modify their own communication and explicitly teach speech and language skills
Careful and detailed transition arrangements made for all transition opportunities, including year 7 and post 16
Access to a communication friendly learning environment
Access to a GP
Access to a school setting or professional that can refer to speech and language therapy
Named speech, language and communication lead in school for provision and strategies. Guide on resources for continuation of provision
NHS telephone advice service short appointments
Access to communication friendly environments in the local community. Information from Self-Evaluation Framework for communication friendly environment audit and training needs
Knowledgeable parents and practitioners aware of their role in supporting speech, language and communication development and working together in partnership

Screening for speech, language and communication needs undertaken as part of diagnostic assessments
Use of initiatives such as ICAN’s Secondary Talk, Talk for Work programme to support those with identified speech, language and communication needs
Access to appropriate school-based interventions, including Elklan strategies, to provide a short-term boost to language learning delivered by appropriately trained members of staff
Person-centred approaches to meeting identified needs either for individuals or in small groups
A graduated approach to speech, language and communication which may require a referral to the SEND support team or speech and language therapy (SaLT).
Child to have access to a personalised communication passport. Templates available from Call Scotland Creating communication passports

Access to a NHS speech and language therapist who can assess, provide advice and guidance and, where appropriate, intervention to the young person.
Identified members of staff who can support speech and language programmes in the setting (if required) following the advice and guidance of the speech and language therapist
Advice about alternative, augmentative communication (AAC) available through Blackpool Council SEND support team
Access to educational psychologist if appropriate
Access to diagnostic pathways.
Access to specialist communication software and equipment, advice and signposting is available through Blackpool Council SEND support team