About what the service offers:
- Observation and assessment of referred child in their setting
- Discussion with setting and staff regarding practical strategies to help referred child access their learning
- Support in setting targets for referred child’s individual education plan
- Support when planning for referred child’s move to school or to their next school
- Training for staff in referred child’s setting if requested
- Liaison with the speech and language therapy service and health services
- Advice on developing referred child’s early language skills at home
What the service offers schools
Observation, assessment, planning, strategies and staff consultation to identify any barriers to learning
Advice and support strategies given in a written report to be shared with parents and other professional where needed
Sign posting and liaison with other agencies such as speech and language therapy.
Training courses
Courses currently available include:
- selective mutism
- communication friendly setting training
- bi-lingualism in early childhood
- early language development programme
- children as story tellers
- bespoke training packages including development and support for receptive and expressive language developments
Accredited training
Courses currently available include:
- Elklan speech and language support for 11 to 16’s
- Elklan speech and language support for 5 to 11’s
Support for families
Parent support group - SMARTI - (Selective Mutism Resources, Training and Information)
This is a targeted support for families whose child or young person have been diagnosed with selective mutism or identified by setting/ school as a reluctant speaker.
This is run by the team and aims to link families in similar circumstances, provide a listening ear and user friendly advice and information.
How to refer
We accept referrals from a range of professionals.
Parents must be consulted and agree to the referral.
A referral form can be requested by contacting the team on the details below.
A referral from SLM must be accompanied by a referral form.
If reports have written by other professionals, you should include copies with referral form.
Who are we
Our team consists of a Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties Advisory Teacher (part-time) and a Speech Language and Communication Difficulties Adviser.
Staff are well qualified and highly experienced in supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.
This SLCN service is available as a Traded Service for academies and free schools in Luton, as well as to schools beyond Luton and private schools.
For details of costs, contact Tracey Spence:
Email: tracey.spence@luton.gov.uk