'Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives'.

(Special Educational Needs and Disabiliy (SEND) Code of Practce, September 2014)

At Cheadle Catholic Junior School we recognise the importance of communication, both verbal and social. We understand that for some children learning speech sounds, understanding of vocabulary or the social use of language, may take longer and they may need additional support. If a member of staff or parent is concerned about their child's speech and language, there are several ways in which school can support this. 

School may do a referral to the Speech and Language Team (SALT) to ask for a pre- referral. This means that our link speech therapist may meet the child and teacher to see if they feel further investigation is needed. If it does, then a full referral to the service may be required so that they can support the child and staff working with them. A program may be put in place for school and home to follow and work on with the child. 

If a full referral is not needed, then the Speech therapist may give school strategies to use with the child.

We also run some 'Social and Communication' groups for children who are struggling with the social aspect of communication. In these groups we look at turn taking, reading body language and expressions and other unspoken ways of communicating. If a child is showing more signs of struggling with social cues then a referral to Healthy Young Minds (HYMs) may be required to explore the possibility of Autism. 

Throughout the school, staff also use a range of communication strategies such as Mind Maps, Social Stories and Makaton.

School offer- Communication and interaction  

Below is the pyramid which outlines all strategies and interventions to support all pupils at the three levels, universal, targeted and individualised

Whole School Provision map Communication and Interaction