Speech & language therapy
Communication underpins all aspects of our lives; without it, we may face a lonely existence. All pupils are supported to achieve to their communicative potential, enjoy a rich life with access to the opportunities and choice available for all young people.
At St. Rose’s we work hard to ensure that all pupils ‘have a voice’ whatever form that takes.
Some of our young people are taught to use ‘high tech’ voice output devices to express themselves and attain academic success. Simple voice output devices and ‘low tech’ resources are used with many pupils to enhance their communication. With others, whose skills are developmentally very early, Intensive Interaction is used to facilitate engagement and opportunities for pupils to develop mutually rewarding relationships.
The Speech and Language Therapy Department comprises two specialist Speech and Language Therapists and an SLT Assistant who work across the school. We deliver direct therapy to the majority of pupils, during individual and group sessions, in collaboration with the whole staff team.
Many pupils experience difficulties with eating and drinking. The SLTs assess, monitor and directly support pupils’ dysphagia needs in conjunction with colleagues, families and outside agencies.
SLTs contribute regularly to staff Induction and Inset.
Our areas of expertise include:
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Alternative and Augmentative Communication including: PECS, signing (BSL and Makaton), Talking Mats, Intensive Interaction, communication books, charts and schedules, objects of reference.
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High tech communication aids with specialised on-site support from our ICT Manager
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Specialist knowledge of eating and drinking
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Direct therapy for the development of natural speech and oral motor skills (including Talk Tools)
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Drama
"Activities are planned well to take account of children’s different needs and they make good progress especially in communication, language and literacy."
Ofsted 2011
