SALT Provisions

At SENARP Vibe Independent School (SVIS), our team of specialist Speech and Language Therapists (SaLT) work with all pupils to support the development of effective communication. This includes attention and listening, understanding language, expressive communication (spoken language and symbolic communication) and social communication skills. Therapists are based on site, allowing therapy to be fully integrated into daily school life and ensuring pupils receive consistent, joined-up support.

The SaLT team works closely with teaching staff and other therapy professionals to embed communication targets across all areas of learning throughout the school day. Each pupil is allocated a named speech and language therapist who delivers support in line with the provision set out in the pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Support may include direct therapy sessions, delivered on an individual, paired, small-group or whole-class basis, as well as indirect support through guidance to staff to promote communication-friendly practice across the school.

In addition, the SaLT team provides training and advice to school staff and families, helping to ensure consistency between home and school. Many pupils at SVIS use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) to support their communication, and we adopt a total communication approach. Our therapists have experience working with a wide range of AAC systems, including signing, visual supports, core vocabulary boards, communication books, PECS, objects of reference and technology-based solutions such as switches, eye-gaze systems and voice-output devices. Where appropriate, we work collaboratively with specialist external services to support the effective use of AAC.

Our aim is to enable pupils to access learning as independently as possible, communicate confidently with others, develop meaningful relationships and build the skills needed to participate fully in school, at home and within the wider community.