We are thrilled to now be working in Pennyhill Primary School West Bromwich. For Nicky this is a case of going full circle as she previously worked in the NHS SLT service in Sandwell.
Following initial discussions with Sendco Lee Morgan earlier in the year, therapist Nicky Clark had the service up and running at the start of the Autumn term.
The success of speech and land language therapy in all our settings depends so much on the partnership which develops between therapist and school staff. The partnership is about practical ways which make things run more smoothly for the therapist – which makes the service more efficient and effective.
At Pennyhill Lee has established an area where Nicky is able to work with individual children when not out and about in classrooms.
‘Lee has set me up with a dedicated SALT area which is lovely, he did it over the summer holidays’
Equally important is the development of a shared ethos about they ways in which speech and language therapy can improve outcomes for all children. Nicky reports:
‘All early years children have been screened using WELLCOMM. I’m working to support nursery and reception with some general communication principles.’
Soundswell is firmly committed to working collaboratively with any/all others involved with a child or setting.
NHS therapists are important partners in the process. Nicky reports a ‘really positive’ meeting with Karen (NHS therapist in Sandwell) at which plans were put in place to cover the whole caseload, avoid any unnecessary confusion or duplication and to share resources such as training
‘We have sorted the caseload between us’
Forward planning is an integral part of what we do and there are plans to maximise the parent coffee morning arrangements already in school by …
‘ ….holding some sessions with a speech and language focus and we would look to invite other professionals too. This is working well in one of my other schools.’
It’s early days and there are lots of children who need help but things are really positive.
‘I’m able to offer actual therapy which is lovely!’
Written by Nicky Clark
