Strong speech, language, and communication skills are essential for children and young people to access learning, develop relationships, and feel confident in their everyday lives. This service works in partnership with schools to support inclusive practice by embedding practical, evidence-based speech and language strategies throughout the school day.

With experience across both mainstream and specialist settings, support is available for children and young people aged 3–19 years. Every setting has different priorities and challenges when supporting pupils with communication needs, so provision is tailored to complement existing SEND support and meet the needs of each environment.

A key area of expertise is developing and supporting a three-tiered model of speech and language provision. This graduated approach helps schools identify and provide the right level of support for every pupil:

• Universal support – Whole-school approaches that promote speech, language, and communication for all pupils, including classroom strategies, environmental adaptations, and staff training.
• Targeted support – Small group interventions and additional strategies for pupils who need support to develop specific communication skills.
• Specialist support – Individualised assessment and intervention for pupils with more complex speech, language, and communication needs, alongside collaborative working with school staff and families.

This approach helps schools build staff confidence, develop communication-friendly environments, and ensure pupils receive support that is appropriate to their individual needs.

Support can be tailored to the needs of each school and may include:
• Whole-school speech, language, and communication reviews
• SEND and communication provision planning
• Staff training and professional development
• Classroom observations and practical recommendations
• Individual and group intervention
• Advice and support relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)
• Collaborative working with SENCOs, teachers, teaching assistants, and families
• Support with embedding communication-friendly classroom approaches

The aim is to work alongside schools to develop sustainable approaches that support both staff and pupils. By increasing understanding of communication needs and providing practical strategies that can be used every day, this service helps schools create learning environments where all children and young people can participate, communicate, and thrive.