Speech & Language Therapy
Our Speech & Language therapy team at St Rose’s aims to ensure that every student has a voice.
Communication underpins our whole lives. The ability to understand and be understood is essential for every student’s learning, well- being and achievement.
Students benefit from therapy delivered by highly qualified therapists and the teaching and care staff who know them best, to carry over the benefits of this support to all aspects of daily life.
We adopt a Total Communication approach for all of our students. This means that all forms of communication and interaction are valued, respected and used as a springboard for learning and development.
A wide range of communication approaches and resources are in place at St Rose’s to support students to develop their communication skills and to support learning.
These include
• All forms of low-tech Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC), Talking Mats, communication books, charts and schedules, Objects of Reference, Communication Passports.
• High-Tech AAC, incorporating the use of Voice Output Communication Aids and Assistive Technology.
• Use of Eye Gaze Technology for pre-intentional and emergent communicators to access a range of software
• Use of Intensive Interaction to facilitate engagement and develop mutually rewarding relationships.
The Speech and Language therapists at St Rose’s are specialists in supporting people who have difficulties with eating and drinking (dysphagia). We provide assessment and regular monitoring of eating and drinking needs, recommendations and training to those who assist students at snack and mealtimes. We work jointly with our nursing and care teams, families and external professionals to support safe, enjoyable mealtimes.
We have an on-site qualified Makaton Tutor who is an integral member of our SLT team. Makaton is used to support understanding and to develop expressive language and learning. Students benefit from Makaton club and Makaton supported lessons. Staff access onsite support and training so that Makaton signing is embedded across nursery and school.