Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) service

• Support listing for communication difficulties

What does the SLCN service offer children, young people and their families?

• Observation/ assessment of referred child in their setting
• Discussion with setting and staff regarding practical strategies to help referred child access their learning
• Support in setting targets for referred child’s individual education plan
• Support when planning for referred child’s move to school or to their next school
• Training for staff in referred child’s setting if requested
• Liaison with the speech and language therapy service and health services
• Advice on developing referred child’s early language skills at home

What does the service offer schools?

• Observation, assessment, planning, strategies and staff consultation to identify any barriers to learning
• Advice and support strategies given in a written report to be shared with parents and other professional where needed
• Sign posting and liaison with other agencies such as speech and language therapy.

Training courses

• selective mutism
• communication friendly setting training
• bi-lingualism in early childhood
• early language development programme
• children as story tellers
• bespoke training packages including development and support for receptive and expressive language developments

Accredited training

Courses currently available include:

• Elklan speech and language support for 11 to 16’s 
• Elklan speech and language support for 5 to 11’s

Support for families

• Parent support group - SMARTI - (Selective Mutism Resources, Training and Information)

This is a targeted support for families whose child or young person have been diagnosed with selective mutism or identified by setting/ school as a reluctant speaker.

This is run by the team and aims to link families in similar circumstances, provide a listening ear and user friendly advice and information.

How to refer

• We accept referrals from a range of professionals
• Parents must be consulted and agree to the referral
• A referral form can be requested by contacting the team on the details below
• A referral from SLM must be accompanied by a referral form

Please note: if reports have written by other professionals, please include copies with referral form.

Who are we?

Our team consists of a Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties Advisory Teacher (part-time) and a Speech Language and Communication Difficulties Adviser.

Staff are well qualified and highly experienced in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.

This SLCN service is available as a Traded Service for academies and free schools in Luton, as well as to schools beyond Luton and private schools.

For details of costs, please contact Tracey Spence: [email protected].