What is the Specific Language Impairment Communication (SLICS) Service?
We are a team Speech and Language Therapists who work in the Specific Language Impairment Communication (SLICS) Service to provide a co-ordinated approach to assessment and management of children with a range of communication difficulties where there are no known general learning difficulties. We work within Mainstream Primary and Secondary schools in Stockport.
We work closely with school staff, such as teachers, Learning Support Assistants (LSA's), Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCOs) and Educational Psychologists (EPs).
Why would my child be seen by the SLICS service?
Children are seen as part of the SLICS service when there is a significant discrepancy between communication and learning skills where learning skills are within the normal range.
How does my child get seen by a Speech and Language Therapist in the SLICS service?
Normally your child’s school will refer to our service but if you have concerns about your child’s communication skills you can refer directly by telephoning 0161 426 5200
What does the Speech and Language Therapist do?
In the SLICS service your Speech and Language Therapist will visit your child at school to assess communication skills and plan and deliver intervention and programmes of support.
We do this using tests, observing your child, talking to staff or using games or fun activities.
Once your child has been assessed the Speech and Language Therapist will decide on the next course of action:
If your child has a mild-moderate delay in communication skills advice will be given to you and schools on how to best support him/her and your child will be discharged from the service.
If your child has severe difficulties with communication they will receive a programme written by the Speech and Language Therapist and delivered in school by school staff. The Speech and Language Therapist sets targets against this programme and will review and evaluate your child’s progress as necessary to ensure expected progress is being made. The programme is explained verbally to school staff or demonstrated to school staff with your child present.
We also write reports for your child’s Statement of Special Educational Needs if necessary and try to attend as many annual review meetings as possible.
Discharging from Speech and Language Therapy
Your child will be discharged from the SLICS service when:
- Speech, language and communication skills are in line with cognitive skills and strategies are in place to maximise communicative potential
- The child's communication skills no longer meet the criteria for a statement of special educational needs.
- SALT Eligibility Criteria
Following discharge:
If new difficulties with your child’s communication skills arise which are not covered by the recommendations already provided, then a re-referral can be made
Should you simply wish to make a brief enquiry about something we have recommended, we continue to be available for advice if and when required without the need for a re-referral. |
