What are speech, language and communication needs?
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.
Autistic children and young people are likely to have particular difficulties with social interaction. They may also experience difficulties with language, communication and imagination.
Who can help?
Inclusion advisory team (IAT)
The IAT team consists of advisory teachers who can support schools across a range of areas including advice on identification and screening tools for SLCN and individual referrals for SLCN.
Click here to find out more about the inclusion advisory team
Speech and language therapists
Speech and language therapy (SLT) can help children and young people can help with things like:
- talking, speech sounds and stammering
- understanding and interacting with others
- listening, memory and attention
Click here to find out more about Barnet Children's Integrated Therapies (CIT)
Autism advisory team (AAT)
The AAT team provised specialist autism support for children, young people, families and schools across pre-school, primary school, secondary school and post-16.
Click here to find out more about support for autistic children and young people in Barnet
Schools and settings
Schools and settings must produce an accessibility plan. This is a formal document that describes how schools and settings will improve access to the curriculum, school communications and the physical environment.
Mainstream schools and maintained nursery schools must employ a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who works with professionals, local authority services, parent carers and school staff to help support pupils with special educational needs.
Click here to find out more about what to expect from schools
Other specialist education services
The services listed above are just a few examples of teams who may be able to provide support. Barnet has numerous specialist education services to meet different needs of children and young people.
Click here to find out about more about Barnet's range of specialist education services