Speech & Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapists who support pupils at Woodlands are employed by Livewell South West’s Children's Speech and Language Service. The therapists are available to work in the school during term time and/or with families both in and out of term time. Their advice and support is accessed via an initial ‘Request for Help’ discussion and form (available on the Livewell Website). The school has access to a range of therapists who have expertise in different areas which gives greater flexibility to meet the needs of all the pupils.
The school provides specialist assessment advice for pupils with rare and complex needs, working closely with a range of external therapists and advisers. We offer assessment of individual pupils’ communication needs, offer equipment loans and provide detailed assessments with a multi-skilled team of professionals.
The SLT service can assess a child individually and parents and staff will be involved in this process. If intervention is required this may involve individual or group sessions or may be in the form of recommendations to be carried out within the classroom setting and at home. It is important to involve everyone in helping to promote the child's communication. Whilst a child is being seen regular advice is given to staff and parents about how they can help.
Advice about eating and drinking is provided by dysphagia specialists. A growing number of pupils require support for eating and drinking at Woodlands and staff are trained annually to provide this at a high quality level
How we support Communication Development at Woodlands
Woodlands provides its own staff to develop communication across the school. This is staffed by A Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) with specific skills in this area. They provide support for individual pupils and their work is overseen by the deputy head. Woodlands communication HLTA has specific areas of specialism and has time allocated to develop these skills. For example, they can provide support in communicating with pupils who have multisensory impairment, Intensive Interaction skills, signing support and use of symbols for learning. In addition, whilst a child is on the Speech and Language Service caseload, there will be specialist guidance from the speech and language therapy service. SLTs also support classroom staff in the development of their skills to support pupils’ specific communication and language needs.
We have developed an Assistive Technology room for pupils to develop their skills in environmental control. They can use a variety of communication devices to control equipment such as a television, fan, entry door and room blinds. This is highly motivating and pupils enjoy learning how to gain control with their own specific device.
All staff have had training in the use of augmentative communication approaches which can take many forms at Woodlands.
Signing: The school uses British Sign Language key word signing to support most pupils’ communication needs, with some pupils learning BSL more completely. We also offer on-body (Cannan Barrie) signing.
Symbols – Pupils may use a range of objects / symbols to support their communication and learning. This includes using objects of reference, photographs, line drawings, Widgit symbols or more advanced specialist communication devices. We have an agreed symbol communication system that is used consistently throughout the school. Some staff have expertise in the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and this is used in some classes as appropriate.
Communication Aids – Pupils may use a wide range of Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAs) to support their communication, from simple Big Mac single switch talkers to iPads, Eye Gaze aids and Grid3 powered aids.
The school also has access to the Bristol Communication Aid Service, an NHS England funded service, when appropriate, via referral from a SLT.
