Speach and Language Therapy (SALT) - Meetings, agendas, and ...

However, this is only a second best option. The first option will always be to
have speech therapists delivering speech and language programmes.
With the current remodelling of the work force, which involves the regrading of
SSAs the unions may not agree to their members delivering these
programmes on their current levels of pay. Speech and language needs time
and funding, which should be reflected in the level of SEB funding received by
schools. Speech and language therapy is a health issue as well as an
educational issue and therefore should also be funded by the NHS. There
should be also programmes that address the specific needs of those children
who experience difficulty around their speech and articulation. As a school
they have received intensive training on speech and language from the
Speech and Language Needs Team. The school is committed to ensuring
that all children are able to access the curriculum. No one should be
expected to do work of another professional body with no formal training. If
children are truly valued they need to have access to the very best speech
and language service. Unfortunately this is not happening unless parents can
afford to pay for such a service.
A letter was received from the Chair of Governors of St Joseph’s RC School
Barking. In her letter she commented that pupils' statements were not met
with regard to the provision of Speech & Language Therapy by a qualified
therapist. The move towards therapists visiting schools to work with both the
children and school staff in a known environment rather than taking children to
clinics where they are not comfortable was advantageous to all. The recent
initiative by the JPD for speech and language was to be applauded. Any
initiative jointly funded by Education & Health gives recognition to the
importance of speech and language within an education environment.
However as a consequence of this initiative the importance of trained Speech
& Language Therapists must not be lost. The writing of programmes and their
delivery can only be managed by a trained therapist working closely with the
pupils, staff and parents/carers. Their role in the delivery of all speech and
language therapy is essential to its future success.
In her letter the Deputy Head and SENCO at Grafton Infants School made the
following comments. There was no speech therapy available to most children
although initial assessments did take place. There was a 20 week waiting list
for assessment. Children entitled to therapy through a Statement were not
receiving this. Some parents were paying for private therapy although for
many this was not affordable. Children working with Communication Needs
Team based at Trinity do get therapy. However, they are limited as to the
number of children they can take on. Parents of nursery age children are
being told that a therapist will work with their children in school. This does not
happen.
2.3.3 Voluntary sector views
A letter was received from the Chair of the Barking & Dagenham Deaf
Children's Society (NDCS). There is a local organisation of parents, families
and carers that exist to support parents in enabling their child to maximise
their skills and abilities. The fundamental role is to advocate for parents and
26