Speech and Language Therapy

Welcome to Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT)

As a team of Speech and Language Therapists, we're proud to be part of the in-house Clinical Services team at West Kirby School.

Our aim is to provide our pupils’ with clinically-effective specialist Speech and Language Therapy. We provide detailed assessment and therapy interventions. We support a child/young person to achieve their goals related to their speech, language and communication skills.

We achieve this through joint working with the young person, staff and their parent/carer, encompassing a holistic and individualised approach to optimise learning and maximise outcomes. We aim to provide a service which identifies need, optimises strengths, and supports pupils in the best possible way.
Speech and Language Therapy support the students at school with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs using a ‘Wave model’ approach:

At Wave 1, school continue to take the lead on supporting the students’ communication skills across their day, for example using visual supports and adapting language to support communication. This is a whole-school approach to supporting communication whereby staff can access resources, advice and training from SALT. 
At Wave 2, students may receive more targeted intervention, for example engaging in a group activity alongside their peers and/or being supported in the classroom.
At Wave 3 (essential for a few), the student may require more focussed intervention and support.

 

Here's some feedback from our Parents:

"The Speech and Language Department has helped in every way, this is the most vital service geared around Jack's needs in order to participate and understand with all needs in Jack's life. This department in my opinion enables Jack to function with least anxiety, helps him to understand what is required , what others think and feel. Consequences of his actions, confidence, participation, feel a part of a team, ability to understand the world around him. It is vital to his wellbeing and learning. We are forever grateful for the input of this service."

"My son is beginning to use speech rather than using his behaviours to convey his emotions."

"SALT has helped our daughter identify and name her emotions. Also helping her to understand how to socialise with others and think about their feelings."

• "I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for your time and patience with Jack, it meant a lot, you didn’t give up and that meant a lot."
• "We feel the SALT input is comprehensive and tailored to Tom's needs."
• "SALT has improved Matty's self esteem, confidence and encouraged him in lessons."
• "My son has been accessing a 'Skills for Life' session which has enabled him to become more confident in communicating with his peers and understanding that interaction, meaning he does not come home upset when he has not been able to understand scenarios throughout the school day."
• "I am so pleased with how Ryan has come on, he is a different child. His confidence would be the thing that stands out as the biggest thing SALT have helped him with this year."
• "My son has been helped with how to treat his peers and how to treat others both in school and at home, thank you!"
• SALT help has been invaluable. You've helped Connor to manage more effectively and to give him other options to try when he feels a certain way i.e. anxious."
• The Speech and Language Therapy Department has helped our son so much. He comes across a lot more more confident and it is a beautiful thing to see as his mother."