1. Speech, Language and Communication Progression Tools
Sally Smith
Speech and Language Therapist
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

2. What are the speech, language and communication progression tools?
Support school staff to identify students with possible SLCNs
Enable school staff to track progression over time
Based on theoretical information about typical language development

3. How were the tools developed?
Specialists and mainstream schools staff
Tested on children and young people
Results and feedback refined final version of tools

4. Profile Chart .

5. How do I use the tools?
Questions to complete one to one with child or young person
Adult to observe child in other natural situation
Adult completes observation section

6. Practical Session
Time to try it out the questions sections for yourselves in pairs.
Choose a tool to use.
Don’t write on your master copies or mine please. Write responses down on a separate piece of paper
Take some time to look at the scoring guidance.

7. Record exactly what child says
Top Tips
Photocopy
Read Practical steps
Find quiet space
Record exactly what child says

8. How do the tools link to the National Curriculum
Primary
essential to help schools understand what progression in spoken language should look like from years 1 to 6 so they can develop their own descriptors about progression for each year group. Could be used to show evidence of progress.
Secondary
areas assessed relate well to the objectives for Spoken English at Key stage 3 and 4.
Understanding vs speaking
The tools focus more on understanding of language than NC programmes of study do.
In line with the SEND Code of Practice 2014, the Progression Tools can support schools with:
Identifying and monitoring pupils who require SEN support
Encouraging teaching and support staff to be responsible for the SEN needs of the children in their class
Identifying and supporting staff training needs
Developing a whole school approach to SEND

9. Further Support www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk
Reminder/Refresher
Training Video
Getting the most out of the tools
Top tips – Primary and Secondary
Ages and stages of communication development
Universally Speaking Booklets
The RV Inclusion hub has funded copies of the tools for every school, the workshop session today and a 2 hour follow up visit from the project Speech and Language Therapist to 15 schools to support staff to implement.

10. What do I do with the results?
Check appropriate universal strategies are in place in the classroom for all children.
Targeted small group work. Free training available from Speech and Language Therapy service. Published resources also available.
Discuss at termly planning meeting with SLT.
Children with pure speech sound difficulties should be discussed straight away with SLT.
Refer to social communication Team if only area of difficulty is social communication.

11. Contact Sally Smith, Speech and Language Therapist to book your school’s support visit this term.