Speech, Language, Communication and Autism Specialist Advisory Service

A team of qualified teachers and specialists who support children and young people aged 0-25 years who have needs relating to speech, language, communication and autism. The child or young person might not have a diagnosis but may:

• have difficulty with social communication and interaction
• have difficulty with spoken language and/or understanding of language
• seek repetitive routines
• have a strong interest in particular subjects
• struggle to access the curriculum (the subjects studied at school)
• have sensory needs or sensitivities

The team works provides advice and guidance to schools drawing on a range of recognised approaches such as Elklan, the Autism Education Trust, SCERTS, TEACCH, and Attention Autism . They also offer targeted training to schools to help them improve the support they offer for children with speech, language, communication and autism needs.

Anyone can contact the advice line – 01442 453920.

Available Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 4pm (term time only).

Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Specialist Advisory Team

Experienced teachers qualified in assessing and working with pupils who have specific learning difficulties (SpLD), which is an umbrella term for a range of conditions such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.  In an average classroom or setting there will be a number of children and young people who have SpLD.

The service provides:

• Advice to schools on suitable resources, strategies and interventions.
• Access to specialist training for teachers, SENCos and teaching assistants.
• Support to schools in making changes based on assessments.

If a learner has more significant and persistent difficulties, and progress remains slow, schools and parents can request further support.  This can include:

• Further assessments to identify underlying barriers to progress.
• Advice and targets to meet the needs of the learner in school.
• Help making adjustments to support the pupil's progress and improve access across the curriculum.
• Observation of teaching to enable the team to give tailored advice.

The advice line can answer quick queries from parents and schools. It is available during term time on Thursdays from 9.30am - 12pm. Call 01442 453920.

Advisory Teacher Support for CYP with Downs Syndrome

SEND SAS have produced an offer for children and young people with Downs Syndrome which starts from Early Years.  Advisory teachers from all specialist areas have undertaken modules from DS International training.  The flow chart below outlines which specialist advisory team could provide support to settings.