Speech & Language

Speech & Language Therapy at Knowsley Central School

Our Commitment to Communication

We use a whole-school approach to support and develop every pupil’s speech, language, and communication skills. This means that all pupils at Knowsley Central School have access to Universal speech, language and communication support as part of their everyday school experience.

Speech & Language Therapy Provision in School

The school commissions Bridge Speech Therapy Ltd. to provide independent Speech and Language Therapy support within school. Our Speech and Language Therapists in school work within a consultative model, focusing on training and supporting teaching staff to meet pupils’ communication needs throughout the school day.

Universal Provision – Available for All Pupils

All pupils at Knowsley Central School receive support through Universal Provision

• Pupils are not on the Speech and Language Therapy caseload.
• The majority of pupils in school access SLC support through Universal Provision.
• Communication-supportive strategies and interventions are embedded throughout the school day.
• Pupils are given consistent and meaningful opportunities to develop their communication skills in everyday activities.

Examples of Universal Strategies

• Attention Autism
• RISE Programme
• Intensive Interaction & child-led multi-sensory play
• Low-tech & High-tech AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) visual systems
• Gestalt Language Processing approaches
• Visual supports and communication aids used across the school environment
• Blank Language Levels
• Colourful Semantics
• Lego Therapy & Barrier Games

Targeted and Specialist Provision – Additional Support

Where appropriate, direct specialist advice, assessment or support may be provided from the SALT for a small number of pupils, beyond the school’s Universal offer. This level of provision is determined through collaboration between the SALT, Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff. This support is short-term, focused and outcome driven, with clear objectives.

Methods of Communication

Knowsley Central School provides a Total Communication Environment. This means that pupils can use a variety of methods to communicate, and all forms of communication are recognised, valued and supported by staff. Pupils have access to their preferred communication methods throughout the school day, including:

• Natural gestures
• Vocalisations and sounds
• Spoken language
• Low-tech paper-based AAC systems
• High-tech AAC devices and systems
• Gestalt language and repetitive scripts
• Key Word Signing
• Visual communication supports

Our aim is to create meaningful communication opportunities throughout the day, enabling every pupil to communicate as independently and effectively as possible and to achieve their full communicative potential.

Contact Information

If you would like further information about the Speech and Language Therapy support available within school, please contact Sophie or Chelsie via the main school office.