Through the Wakefield Early Years Strategy and associated SLCN Strategy, the development of a SLCN Pathway is a key priority for 2022.
Once complete the pathway will aim to:
- offer families tools and resources to promote play, learning and development in the home environment
- Universally, ensure all children have appropriate language and communication opportunities.
- support parents as well as professionals in the identification of and provision for children with SLCN
- promote early intervention as soon as a need is identified
- support inclusive practice by promoting adaptations to the learning environment to cater for the needs of children with SLCN
- support settings/schools in tracking progress and monitoring outcomes
- promote the active participation of children and their parents in the process
- signpost sources of further information and support to anyone involved in developing children’s speech, language and communication skills
- provide a procedural structure for referrals and intervention at different levels to help professionals access appropriate support for different types of SLCN
- clarify the roles and responsibilities of all concerned in this process and to help ensure consistency of response
- promote the use of a framework to address workforce competences
The pathway will be shared and promoted widely with the EY sector once complete in 2022.