Speech and Language Provision

At Over Hall Community School we recognise the importance of good speech and language and communication skills.

Communication is central to everything we do. It affects how we express ourselves and how we understand others. This means that children with communication needs often have difficulty understanding their learning and interacting in lessons which later affects progress and achievement. Children with communication difficulties struggle to express themselves and participate in daily life often feeling frustrated and experiencing poor self -esteem. Children with good speech, language and communication skills usually find it easier to learn in school and develop friendships.

Children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) may have difficulties with one or more of the following areas:

• Understanding and formulating spoken language
• Processing and producing speech sounds
• Using and understanding all aspects of language appropriately in different social contexts.

Early intervention with these difficulties is vital to ensure that children can develop skills to develop and make progress in all areas of learning.

Children with an identified speech and language need are identified by class teachers and referred to the speech and language therapy service for an assessment. Once an assessment has taken place and therapists identify a need for therapy a care plan is provided for school and parents.

The Speech and Language provision at Over Hall Community School is currently provided by our SENDCo in collaboration with NHS Speech and Language therapists who assess and monitor the progress and care plans. School staff also work on reinforcing children’s targets within the classroom to ensure good progress.

Speech and language sessions are provided in 1:1 or small group situations in a quiet environment in a fun and engaging way.