Evidence identifies that collaboration is most effective
when the following elements are in place:
- Professionals involved have a clear understanding of each other’s roles
- Therapists take account of educational context
- Teachers understand the importance of language to the whole curriculum
- Schools support therapists’ involvement.
Evidence demonstrates that children have made gains with speech and language when:
- parents were informed and involved, which is supported by the Children’s Plan
- therapists and teachers were more satisfied about their knowledge base
- systems changed within the schools to reflect and support the collaboration.
This collaborative approach needs careful structures and criteria in place to enable it to happen throughout a child’s education across phases and key stages, regardless of
where that might be. However there is an argument that the ECM ethos of
equipping learners for life in its broadest sense, appears to be at odds with the current emphasis at the primary stage on target setting and academic achievement in a narrow range of subjects. Effective collaboration can make a difference for children with SLCN. Systemic change would enable teachers, therapists and parents to be given the time to allow this to happen.
Workforce development
Workforce development is high on the government agenda;The ECM programme identifies the need for a skilled and confident workforce to achieve its aims of improved outcomes for all children. The Children’s Plan identifies the workforce as key in delivering its aims and Aiming High for Disabled Children highlights the importance of good quality staff to support children and their families. Effective intervention means ensuring people who are working with children feel equipped to do so. Providing training so that the workforce is able to identify children with difficulties and work with relevant others to meet the needs of all children is essential. Studies have shown that although teachers are often aware of the importance of communication and concerned about levels of children’s language, many express their anxiety and lack of knowledge in being able to support them. A recent investigation into levels of teacher knowledge about SLCN and development showed that over 60% lacked confidence in their ability to meet children’s needs. Concerns have been raised with regard to both initial teacher
training and continuing professional development in enabling teachers to be able to meet the needs of children with SEN in an inclusive context. Teachers themselves have reported a lack of confidence both in assessing the spoken language of their pupils and in implementing strategies to support the development of communication skills, particularly when children have difficulties. Concern has also been expressed