Speech and Language

Communication team

The school employs a communication coordinator and a communication assistant to support communication throughout the school.  They deliver a range of social skills groups as well as individual/ group work on specific speech and language targets. They liaise with class teachers, class speech and language link workers, parents, the Speech and Language Therapists who work in school and outside agencies.

Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) Service

The Speech and Language Therapists employed by the IW council assess the students and advise on programmes of work when requested to by the school or parents/carers. They set the student’s SaLT objectives in liaison with the communication team, the class teacher and class link worker. The NHS SaLT service provide advice and training on dysphagia.

The SaLT Therapist holds termly class planning meetings with the communication team, teachers and class link workers to provide regular updates on the students speech and language objectives.

Class based Link Workers

Every class has a link worker who has responsibility for ensuring that the students work on their SaLT objectives throughout the school day. 

The school has a Total Communication approach. 

• Every member of staff has had Makaton training and all students are encouraged to sign.  Makaton training is available for parents / carers and anyone else who is interested by the communication coordinator who is a Regional Makaton Tutor.
• Visual supports are used throughout the school e.g. timetables, IEPs, reading books, questionnaires, rainbow week, Talking Mats etc.
• For students who need them there is a selection of switches and communication devices available in school with full support available.
• Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) is used where appropriate.
• We produce conversation books, which have enabled many of our students to develop the confidence to communicate. Communication passports are provided for students who require them.

Outside agencies often come to us for training and advice on communicating with young people with Speech and Language difficulties.  We welcome their interest.

Outside agencies often come to us for training and advice on communicating with young people with Speech and Language difficulties.

We welcome their interest.

St George’s Communication Bill of Rights

1. Everyone has the right to be able to communicate in a way that is right for them.
2. Everyone has the right to be able to make choices for themselves.
3. Everyone has the right to reject offered choices.
4. Everyone has the right to access their communication aids at all times.
5. Everyone has the right to express feelings.
6. Everyone has the right to be listened to.
7. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, and the right to be included when people talk about them.
8. Everyone has the right to be given time to respond.
9. Everyone has the right to request information.
10. Everyone has the right to be taught how to communicate.
11. Everyone has the right to be a full and equal member of the class.
12. Everyone has the right to have their communication aid in working order and to have an alternative.