For schools

We provide bespoke services to primary and secondary schools across Yorkshire. Our vocation is to provide intervention to meet the diverse needs of children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) to effect positive change for them and their families, whilst recognising and delivering the benefits required by schools in relation to costs, flexibility and ultimately improved child performance across the curriculum.

Why do schools need speech and language therapy?

Research suggests that moderate to severe language difficulties in young children are predictive of long term problems affecting learning, school achievement, and behaviour. As many as 2 to 3 children in every UK classroom have speech, language and communication needs that require speech and language therapy support.

All children are entitled to the communication skills they need to fulfil their potential.

Speech and language therapists along with teachers have a joint responsibility to identify need for intervention and provide the appropriate provision.

How we work with schools

Service provision for schools is discussed in detail and agreed in liaison with Head Teachers and Special Educational Needs Coordinators/ Inclusion Managers. It is agreed and delivered in ways that best meet the needs of individual children, staff and the school/ school cluster as a whole. This may be through staff training, speech and language therapy groups or one-to-one therapy. It may be through whole day or hours-based provision.

Please contact Lauren Green (Lead Therapist) on 07812586191 to arrange a discussion with one of our current schools, or to arrange an initial consultation for your school/cluster. Or fill in the quick online enquiry form that can be found on the home page.

Why choose Away With Words to provide the speech and langauge therapy service for your school(s)?

• You will receive a professional, personal and caring service that is planned and delivered in consultation with school staff and tailored to meet school's needs.
• Children, and their families, will be at the centre of all aspects of planning, assessment, and therapy and will receive a quality and holistic service.
• Intervention will be provided by an experienced therapist who is professionally registered and who will maintain training and practice in line with regulations stipulated by the professional bodies.
• Continuity of care with the same therapist is ensured. Every effort will be made to be a present and approachable member of the school team, following a 'working together' rather than consultative approach.
• Intervention will be evidence based. It will also be kept up-to-date and in line with rapidly increasing technology e.g. I-pad apps used in therapy.
• Intervention will be led by the needs of individual children.
• Therapy will be linked to the curriculum wherever appropriate.
• Therapy effectiveness and outcomes will be measured and this information will be readily available to staff and to school commissioners.
• Clear and detailed reports will be provided.
• The therapist will liaise directly with parents.
• The therapist will work in liaison with other professionals as necessary and will provide support/ advice for onward referrals e.g. audiology/ CAMHS/ Paediatrician/ Educational Psychology.
• A cost effective service is ensured - where clinically appropriate, group therapy options will be provided; children will be discharged in a timely manner once intervention goals have been achieved.
• Allocated hours will be spent face-to-face with children/ staff.
• Fees are negotiable based on the service school(s) require. Discounted rates are offered for school clusters.

We are confident in the services we provide to schools and invite you to discuss this first hand with a senior member of staff at any of the schools we deliver a service to.

If you would like to discuss the possibility of independent speech and language therapy for your school, or your school cluster, we would be happy to arrange an initial consultation meeting, free of charge and without obligation. Our Lead Therapist can visit you at school at a time that is convenient for you and provide some more detailed information.

Training packages

We also offer training packages for Primary schools. These include:

Speech, Language and Communication Awareness for Teaching Staff: An overview of how children with speech, language and communication difficulties may present in school; and practical advice and activities to support these children.

Early Identification of Speech, Language and Communication Needs: How to spot children who are likely to require speech and language intervention in Early Years; Typical vs. non-typical development and advice for screening and referring.

Supporting Early Speech, Language and Communication Development: The first 18 months: Information and advice for staff working with very young children and families. This training highlights the importance of caregiver relationships and interactions in the earliest stages of a child's development. 

Supporting Speech, Language and Communication Development in the Early Years: 18 months - 3 years: Supporting communicaion devlopment in the critical first three years of a child's life, including best practice for early years setting staff. 

To find out more fill in our online enquiry form on the home page. Alternatively, contact Lauren Green (Lead Therapist) on 07812 586 191