This course will:
• Explain what delayed language development and Specific Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) are, with focused information about Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).
• Give a brief overview of why trauma informed should be language informed and give practical advice on supporting the pupils with a complex trauma backgrounds, in relation to their language and communication development.
• Give an overview of effective 'ordinarily available provision' for language and communication development.
• Give practical advice and signpost support for pupils with language and communication differences.
• Give a brief overview of the new PIVATS Language and Communication Toolkit.

Schools are facing the increasing challenge of providing inclusive education for a growing number of children with SEND. Budgets are tight and services are stretched, so how can we make sure our classrooms and learning opportunities are as inclusive as possible?

The EEF guidance report on Special Educational Needs in a Mainstream Setting is summarised in the following:
"An inclusive school removes barriers to learning and participation, provides an education that is appropriate to pupils’ needs, and promotes high standards and the fulfilment of potential for all pupils."

An increasing number of children are entering school with delayed language development and/or specific language and communication needs. This has a significant impact on their social and emotional development, their learning and their overall life outcomes. What can be done?

This half day course will address common challenges being faced in mainstream schools and give practical guidelines on what can be done.

This course is designed for Headteachers and SENDcos and/or EYFS leads and can be accessed as part of the Leading on SEND package or as a stand-alone course.

Louise Laycock is an Independent Speech and Language Therapist (SaLT) with over 20 years’ experience working within Early Years, Primary and Secondary settings. For the first decade of her career Louise was a Specialist SEND SaLT working in both specialist provisions and mainstream settings. In 2012 she established Bridge Speech Therapy, with her business partner Sophie Crilly. The last decade has brought opportunities to support families through the Children Centres, work in specialist provisions and regular work in mainstream settings; supporting them to develop their provision to ensure all pupils’ speech, language and communication skills are developed appropriately.

Children in our mainstream settings present with a wide range of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). This includes the growing number of pupils with delayed language, those with a complex trauma background and those who will have lifelong SLCN. Louise is excited to share her knowledge of how we should be supporting children’s language and communication differences and to spread awareness of SLCN, specifically Developmental Language Disorder (DLD).