Speech and Language Therapy at Hamilton
At Hamilton, our Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Team is dedicated to supporting every child’s communication needs. Our team consists of one Senior Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and two Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs) who work collaboratively with staff, students, and families to ensure a total communication approach that helps each child reach their full potential.
How We Support Communication Development
We follow a graduated approach, offering speech and language support at three levels:
- Universal Support
All children at Hamilton benefit from universal strategies designed to create communication-rich environments that encourage speech, language, and communication development across the school.
- Targeted Support
Some children require additional support, which may involve an SLTA working with a specific class to help implement structured interventions alongside school staff.
- Specialist Support
For children with specific speech and language needs, we provide individualized specialist support. This may include tailored intervention plans delivered by the SALT team, classroom staff, or a combination of both to ensure the best outcomes.
Throughout a child’s time at Hamilton, they may receive support across different levels as their communication needs evolve.
How Will My Child Be Identified for Support?
1. Parental Consent – On entry to school, parents receive a consent form to sign and return.
2. Assessment – The class teacher and SALT team assess your child’s communication needs and develop a Communication Profile, which highlights strengths, areas for development, and key objectives.
3. Tailored Support – Your child will access the appropriate level of speech and language therapy throughout their school journey.
What Interventions Might My Child Receive?
Depending on their individual needs, children may take part in a range of evidence-based interventions designed to develop early communication skills, such as:
• Intensive Interaction – Encouraging social interaction and communication through play and imitation.
• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) – Supporting communication using tools like PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System), Aided Language Displays, and Communication Books.
- Attention Autism – A structured approach to develop attention and engagement.
- Sensory Sentences – Using symbols and sensory experiences to build communication skills.
- Lego-Based Therapy – Encouraging social communication through collaborative play.
- Intensive interaction – Developing early communication through shared interaction.
Children receiving specialist support may have a personalized program delivered by the SALT team, class team, or both.
How We Support Families
At Hamilton, we believe in working closely with parents to support communication development at home. We offer:
• Communication Profiles – Shared with parents to track progress and align with short-term EHCP communication targets.
- Parent Information Resources – Guidance on different speech and language approaches.
- Parent Workshops – Opportunities to learn about communication strategies and ask questions.
- Regular Updates – Speech and language updates featured in the school newsletter.
- Ongoing Support – Our SALT team is always available to provide resources and ideas to support communication development at home.
- One-to-One Drop-In Sessions – Half-termly sessions on Teams that parents can book for individual support and advice.
If you have any questions or need support, do not hesitate to get in touch with our SALT team – we are here to help.
Useful Links and Information
For information on tried and tested I pad apps to support communication , go to
www.wmspeechtherapy.co.uk/resources and click on Tried and tested apps for the I pad
