Some of the materials used during a ‘Celebrations’ themed programme. In this programme, children work towards celebrating Pips Birthday through activities which focus on oromotor skills.
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Speech and Language Therapy
Our Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) service continued from the EAZ, and was provided through SYMBOL UK LTD.
The SALT team have worked with staff from the 12 Key Stage One schools and five nurseries to provide staff training. Staff training was offered through many formats including online INSET training, whole school INSET training but the primary and most effective method of training was through demonstration of Language Enrichment Programmes. Through demonstration, staff could observe the programmes and then implement the programmes independently. Cascading skills in promoting speech and language development through practical demonstration of activities was proven to be an effective means of empowering staff and developing their confidence in supporting children with special needs within the mainstream school environment.
Language enrichment programmes are designed to address children’s specific difficulties in different areas of speech and language. There were six programmes offered by the SALT team and each programme was offered weekly over the course of five weeks through small groups (maximum of 6 children). Each programme covered a different curricular theme of Speech and Language development. The different themes were ‘Ourselves’, ‘Celebrations’, ‘Toys’, ‘Growth’, ‘Listening and Sound’ and ‘People Who Help Us’. Activities within these groups are play oriented and children find them very motivating and enjoyable.
When we asked one of our Speech and Language Coordinators within the schools about the programmes, they commented:‘I Think the activities are great fun. The children really enjoy them and I can see the purpose behind them’
Basic Skills
A sum of money was allocated to each of the 18 Cluster primary schools for a “Basic Skills” project. This sum was dependent upon the size of the school and could be used for projects that aim at raising levels of attainment, extending opportunities and tackling disruption.
Some of the projects established in Cluster schools included;
• Targeted Support with Information Computing Technology skills (ICT)
• SHARE Projects aiming at increasing parental support
• Speaking and Listening projects
• Support with Literacy and Numeracy Skills
• Booster classes for students taking SATS
• Saturday School
Training
The Cluster Speech and Language Therapy Team also offered an additional 3 part training package for teaching assistants. Subjects covered included:
- Speech, Language, Communication – What is it?
- Busting the jargon
- The communication environment
- The value of small groups
- Selecting for a group
- The language enrichment programmes and scripts
- Observation and note taking
- Language modelling techniques
- Positive reinforcement
- Other materials
- Analysing speech difficulties
- Development of attention control
The aim of the training was to further the teaching assistants abilities to confidently run the groups without SLT support.
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