Coronavirus update - October 2020
In SLT, the service has resumed face to face in special schools, nurseries and some school support in mainstream. We are also using video in school to review plans to increase efficiency and if the school prefer to reduce the number of visitors or if they don’t want us to wear PPE.
Face to face in clinics in the community clinics has resumed and face to face domiciliary visits for dysphagia are ongoing.
Telephone / video assessments to parents/ carers are still being provided, if a face to face session cannot be organised due to restrictions etc. to avoid delay and waits to support for children.
All SLT training is now recorded with drop box links for school staff and parents/ carers as we are unable to resume group face to face training. This is also more efficient and allows schools/ families to access the training at a time that suits them. (Eventbrite links are available on our Facebook page).
Speech and Language therapists ‘attend’ annual reviews etc. via MS teams
The team are still very active on Facebook and provide advice, signing, strategies etc.
All staff follow the current PPE guidelines and advice for schools and work with schools within their risk assessment plans and Government and NHS guidance.
We are providing regular advice via our Facebook page. ‘Topic Tuesdays’ and live question and answers
The pre-referral advice line is still available; 07917 264975
- School age children (5+ years) Tuesdays 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Preschool children (0-5 years) Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. sessions.
The service recently participated in a Q and A session with the Trafford Parents Forum. This is recorded and available to view on the Forum website via U-tube
We have increased our online training offer. The SLT service offer these courses online below. Please email mft.csltnoreply@nhs.net for the links
Key Stage 1 & 2 Courses:
Lego Therapy, Social Communication, Colourful Semantics, Vocabulary KS1 & KS2, Narrative Skills, Listening Comprehension, Thinking Skills
EY Social Skills, EY Vocabulary, EY Comprehension, EY Attention & Listening
Universal Courses:
Introduction to Speech Sounds , Communication Friendly Environments, Zones of Regulation, Social Stories
About the service
Speech and language therapists assess, diagnose and treat people who have speech, language and communications needs and feeding difficulties. We do this in a variety of places, including nurseries, clinics and schools.
The team works in partnership with parents, carers, professionals and voluntary groups to make sure our clients get the support that is right for them.
Pre-Referral Advice Line: 07917 264 975
If you are concerned about a child’s speech, language or communication development and would like some advice or information on how to make a referral, give us a ring and speak to a member of the Speech and Language Therapy team.
We have dedicated times for children of all ages so please ensure that you call at the appropriate time.
For Pre-School Children (0-5 years) please call on Wednesday between 9am and 11am.
For School age children (over 5 years) please call on Tuesday between 9am and 11am
Please be aware that there is no voicemail facility and you may need to be patient whilst you wait to speak to our team.
If the child is already known to our service, we would advise you to contact the child’s Speech and Language Therapist or our admin team on 0161 912 2592 or mft.csltnoreply@nhs.net.
Please remember that you can also send us a message and find useful information via our Facebook page.
Assessment
Once a referral has been received and triaged from a school or early years childcare provider, your child will be placed on a waiting list.
If your child is in an Early Years setting you will be offered a Communication Strategy Workshop, a place in the next EY Assessment Group or an appointment at Chapel Road clinic.
If your child attends a Trafford school (including children in a school nursery) you will be offered an initial assessment either in school or at the Chapel Road Clinic (if the concerns are related to speech sounds, voice or fluency).
Specialist needs
If the child's language needs are such that they can't be met by this team then The Language Outreach Service provides a Specialist Speech and Language Therapy service to pupils with persistent, severe and complex language and communication needs impacting on their ability to access the curriculum. The service is provided to pupils in mainstream primary schools, from Reception to Year 6.
Useful Documents
- Children with receptive language difficulties
- Creating need to communicate
- Getting my child to talk
- Helping children with speech sounds
- How to include simple language in daily activities
NEW CHANGES: We now have a new pre-referral advice line. We have created a booking system, which allows parents/practitioners to book a slot to discuss any concerns with one of our team. This has had some excellent feedback!