tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72096013033381273192024-03-19T10:26:12.259+00:00The Communication Trust - Every child understoodTCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-77479457561598165792013-01-22T13:50:00.002+00:002013-01-22T13:50:56.067+00:00Rescuing A Generation Adrift, by Anne Fox, Trust Director<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Communication is at the core of everything we do, and at the heart of all communication is language – words make up sentences which build into conversations. But what happens if you don’t possess those skills?<br />
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On 16th January 2013, we published <em>A Generation Adrift</em> showing that at least 10% of children in our schools don’t have adequate communication skills to allow them to learn well. Unless these children are identified and supported quickly, it can have a dramatic effect on their future lives. But identifying children who struggle with speech, language and communication can be tricky because it is such a complex subject. Early intervention is vital, whatever stage of education children and young people are at, and education practitioners need to be aware that children’s needs can change as they get older. Once a child has been identified as struggling, a whole host of interventions is available to support them and boost their skills.<br />
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Supporting language when a child is struggling can often be a ‘tweak’ to good practice mixed with solid knowledge of language development. We want all education practitioners and school staff to have this information to help them identify children who have difficulties. But more than just the skills to identify, we want them also to have at their fingertips evidence-based solutions to support the child. <br />
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<em>A Generation Adrift</em> marks the start of a series of resources launched by the Trust, beginning next month, which will support schools to develop a good communication environment while also providing interventions for children with SLCN. What Works – developed as a result of the recent Better Communication Research Programme (released in December 2012) – offers a database of tried-and-tested interventions which can be used to support children with SLCN. We will also be releasing the final report about the pilot of Talk of the Town, an integrated, community-led approach to supporting speech, language and communication in children and young people. These are practical ‘solutions’ to what research has shown is a growing problem. <br />
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If we don’t do something to tackle the issue of children with SLCN – which is the most prevalent childhood disability – then we risk these children falling behind their peers. Good spoken language skills are a strong predictor of later academic success – just 15% of young people with SLCN sitting GCSEs achieve 5 A*to C grades compared to an average 57% of all young people – and talk and interaction play a key role in children’s social development and learning. It helps young people to develop organisational, problem solving and evaluation skills, all of which are crucial skills for the classroom and beyond. Without communication skills children will struggle later in life and we risk a generation being left adrift.<br />
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You can download a PDF of <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/resources/resources/resources-for-practitioners/a-generation-adrift.aspx" target="_blank">A Generation Adrift</a> here.<br />
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<em>Want to find out more about how you can help and support children with SLCN? Subscribe to the Trust’s blog for regular updates, ‘like’ us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/communicationtrust" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or follow us on <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Comm_nTrust" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter here.</em><br />
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-7128255366165198002013-01-17T12:18:00.004+00:002013-01-17T12:18:57.494+00:00Supporting the changing educational landscape, by Robert Buckland MPToday I had the honour of hosting The Communication Trust’s Reception in Parliament, which focussed on how schools can help meet the speech, language and communication needs of children and young people.<br />
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I was thrilled to be asked to speak as I have long been a fan and a supporter of what The Communication Trust is seeking to achieve. By using its collective expertise, the Trust supports the children’s workforce and commissioners and allows them to provide high quality provision of therapy and assistance. The way in which the Trust spreads good practice and awareness of speech, language and communication needs, whether they be in education or health, is something that I have long considered vitally important.<br />
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Being a parent of a child with speech, language and communication needs I have also seen at first-hand the importance of therapy to help young people overcome the obstacles that they face. I have also experienced the benefits that dedicated speech and language therapists can bring, and their importance not only in providing direct professional services but also in the training of other providers. <br />
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Speech, language and communication skills are growing ever more important as children and young people enter an increasingly competitive global workforce. They are also now a central part of Ofsted’s revised framework for school inspection, with ‘communication skills’ explicitly referred to as a parameter for inspection in two areas of judgement. <br />
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However, the Trust is today launching its latest thinkpiece, A Generation Adrift, which demonstrates that schools often face a challenge in locating the support required for their pupils with speech, language and communication needs, using evidence from the new Better Communication Research Programme report. The Communication Trust can offer schools a range of support to overcome these challenges and help them to support children and young people’s speech, language and communication. <br />
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In a changing educational landscape such as the one that we face today, the issue of children’s communication needs to be considered by an ever-wider range of actors. This includes, but is not limited to, Multi Chain Academies, Umbrella Academy chains, independent Academies, Learning Co-operatives, for profit and not for profit learning support agencies, and the wider commission community. There is, I believe, much good work already underway and I am confident that the ongoing work of The Communication Trust and the organisations which it represents will ensure that no child is left struggling with unidentified speech, language or communication difficulties. <br />
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You can find out more about Robert Buckland on his <a href="http://www.robertbuckland.co.uk/" target="_blank">website</a>. <br />
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A Generation Adrift can be downloaded <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/about-the-trust/what-do-we-do/latest-news.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-18789842021145098652012-12-14T11:29:00.000+00:002013-01-15T16:03:16.264+00:00Children’s communication – what’s next?<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Trust's 2013-17 Strategy</td></tr>
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We can all agree that the Hello campaign, the national year of communication 2011, was a success. More than 350,000 Hello resources were distributed and 72% of adults reported seeing Hello messages during the year. We also found that as more parents became aware of what good speech and language is, more began to report concerns about their children's speech, language and communication skills and to seek professional help and guidance. We also trialled three new ways of working to empower parents and the children’s workforce to help all children get more out of their speech, language and communication and to spot and support those who struggle in more effective ways. <br />
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For us, Hello as an awareness raising tool is over, but the issue of children with language delay or speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) has not gone away. We have been successful in influencing some areas of policy - getting Ofsted to include communication in their new inspection guidelines and the National Curriculum Review Panel to recommend its inclusion across the curriculum - but there's still more work to do.<br />
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Now we must make sure that the children's workforce - and by this we mean anyone who works with children and young people - is equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to know what good communication development is and to recognise and support children who are struggling. <br />
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In order to do this we will be taking forward one of our key strategic projects begun during the Hello campaign, Talk of the Town - a community-wide strategy for developing good communication in children and young people aged 0-19 through schools, early years settings, children's centres and families - and the Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People's Speech, Language and Communication, developed by The Communication Trust with City & Guilds.<br />
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We know we face crucial challenges in our aim to make sure every child is understood because communication skills are so often overlooked and many children and young people's needs are often misinterpreted, misunderstood or missed altogether. Our strategy also allows us to continue to work with the youth justice sector where research has show there are high numbers of children and young people with unidentified SLCN.<br />
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The local landscape for delivering services is ever changing and our plan is to work with policy makers, local and national, to make sure children and young people get the best help and support they can. <br />
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You can join us on this journey by following us on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up to receive our monthly newsletter. For more information, click <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/about-the-trust/what-do-we-do/our-newsletters/register.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Our five-year strategy is available <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/resources/resources/resources-for-practitioners/the-trusts-strategy-2013-2017.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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The Hello Evaluation can also be downloaded <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/resources/resources/hello-campaign-resources/goodbye-hello-evaluation-report.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-69229463284658963602012-10-25T10:27:00.001+01:002012-10-25T12:32:01.789+01:00It’s a tough job... but someone has to do it!<br />
<em>Simone Gilson, from Pearson Assessment, wrote us this blog post after attending the Shine a Light Awards 2012 judging event</em><br />
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Applications for the <em>Shine a Light Awards 2012</em> have now closed – big thanks to everyone who took the time to submit an application. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One judging panel hard at work</td></tr>
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During the last three weeks we've been busy shortlisting the applications and last week we hosted the judges’ event, where the all important decisions were made. The quality of the applications meant it was a tough job!<br />
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This year we split our judges into three teams, each of whom was given the task of looking at a specific group of awards. Our expert panel for 2012 included some names you may recognise from last year: including Jack Marshall, winner of the Young Person of the Year Award 2012 and Janet Cooper, from Stoke Speaks Out, whose team not only won the Multi-Agency Team of the Year Award but also one of Pearson Assessment’s Outstanding Achievement Awards. In addition, we were delighted to welcome back Virginia Beardshaw, Chief Executive of I CAN, Chris Hall and Lesley Munro from Pearson Assessment, and introduce same new faces including the new Director of The Communication Trust, Anne Fox.<br />
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Supported by rounds of tea and biscuits, our judges met at the Pearson Headquarters on October 19th to choose the award winners and runners up. There were plenty of debates and opinions - luckily no fights - and in the end plenty of excitement over the final outcomes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Marshall, left, was last year's Young Person of the Year</td></tr>
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Lesley Munro described the process: "It was a privilege to be part of the judging panel and to learn about the excellent work being undertaken daily around speech, language and communication (SLC) in primary and secondary schools. There was evidence of whole school involvement and cross curricula embedding of SLC. Initiatives from Hello, the national year of communication, were also being taken up or expanded upon in many schools.<br />
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“Judging the Young Person of the Year award was a delight. The most difficult task was to select a winner from among these inspirational young people, who not only achieve their own goals, but also go beyond them to help others locally and nationally with communication challenges.” <br />
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We'll be keeping you in suspense a little longer as to who has won what as the winners won't be announced until our awards night on the 21st November!TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-66144819072361553512012-10-09T14:06:00.000+01:002012-10-09T14:32:49.606+01:00Put down your pens, and pick up language<em>Trust Professional Director Wendy Lee talks about the benefits of schools taking part in No Pens Day Wednesday:</em><br />
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Tomorrow (October 10th), more than 1,100 schools across the country will be taking part in <em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em>. In other words they will be banned from writing anything down for the whole of the school day.<br />
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The Communication Trust first used this event in September 2011 as part of the <em>Hello</em> campaign – the national year of communication – to raise awareness of the benefits of good communication. We challenged schools across the country to spend a whole day without writing, making best use of their speech and language skills, and they responded fantastically! <br />
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We heard of schools arranging debates, talking homework and making podcasts as part of their lessons – one school even had the “pen police” patrolling and watching out for pens and pencils in action. It was a brilliant event for <em>Hello</em> and got people really thinking about how children benefit from having good speaking and listening skills. Though it was a fun event, there was a serious side - it highlighted that a focus on speaking and listening can be really challenging – and how much children can learn by not writing things down. <br />
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This year, <em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em> could be seen as even more important for schools. Communication is now a key component of the Ofsted framework; in how teaching enables communication skills and in how pupils develop these skills and apply them across the curriculum. <br />
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For the first time, there is a spotlight on communication as well as on literacy and numeracy – a significant step forward for those campaigning for the importance of speech, language and communication skills.<br />
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We know from evidence it is fundamental that children have good speech, language and communication (SLC) skills, and that poor SLC development can impact on other areas such as literacy, behaviour and overall attainment. The more we can do to boost children’s SLC development the better and we are keen to support schools with ideas and resources to build on the good practice they already have in place.<br />
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<em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em> is a great and enjoyable way to put the focus on spoken language as a way to support and enhance learning. We’re excited that over 1,100 schools have signed up and we’d urge as many other schools as possible to do the same. If you can’t join in on October 10th, just pick another day that works for your school – once you’re registered you’ll have access to all the lesson plans, assemblies and staff meeting briefings prepared by our experts. You can use these resources whenever you like, as part of normal school days or host a <em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em> once a term if you like.<br />
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Last year, curriculum expert Mick Waters recorded a short film, explaining why he was supporting <em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em>. He said: “I think No Pens Day is a great idea because if you think about the amount of time you use a pen, is all this time writing in school really preparing children for grown-up life? We could make life so exciting without pens.”<br />
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Watch Mick’s full film <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFzWZ50q1c0&list=UU9d6X5r2B7YwHaKtgf8A3vg&index=12&feature=plcp" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
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If you’re interested in signing up for <em>No Pens Day Wednesday</em> visit our website <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/schools/no-pens-day-wednesday.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> for more information. <br />
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<em>Want to keep up with the Trust's latest news? Click on the box on the right to subscribe to our blog.</em>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-40907711409860620312012-10-05T17:07:00.000+01:002012-10-05T17:07:05.222+01:00Learn how to crack good communication, by Amy Harker, Development OfficerWow... it’s nearly <em>Cracking Communication Conference</em> time again! We are delighted that our first conference was such a success and we've received some really positive feedback from delegates, particularly about our focus on emphasising communication as a central skill. We enjoyed holding our spring event in London, but as autumn approaches, we look forward to a trip to King’s House Conference Centre in Manchester to further our journey in placing communication at the heart of schools’ policy and practice.<br />
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Keeping the focus within the current school agenda, we really feel our second conference will support schools to enable all children to achieve their potential through better communication skills and will prepare school leaders for the inclusion of communication in the new Ofsted framework. <br />
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We are really excited to have secured such prominent speakers. As well as the Trust’s own notable Professional Director, Wendy Lee, the star-studded line up includes Anne Duffy, an Ofsted representative, and Geoff Lindsay from the Better Communication Research Programme. Their speeches will link together policy, evidence and practice and provide a noteworthy morning agenda. <br />
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But the afternoon line-up is not to be forgotten! School leaders can choose from eight practical workshops and we're delighted to have a range of practical advice and tools on offer. The sessions will give delegates the chance to consider a range of practical solutions, based on good practice and clear evidence for their own communities. Also - do make sure that you attend our exhibition, on offer throughout the day, to network and see resources first hand (I hear there might be some freebies!). <br />
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We know there are currently lots of ‘cracking’ conferences out there – but this is definitely the one to attend! To find out more information (including our special early bird rate) please click <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/conference" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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We look forward to seeing you in Manchester!<br />
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TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-2054284741532944932012-09-25T10:01:00.000+01:002012-09-25T10:01:29.435+01:00Shining a light on schools communication by Lynne Milford, Press OfficerCommunication is very much a 'buzz topic' for schools, as national education policy places more and more emphasis on children having good speech, language and communication skills. In the coming months, we will see a lot of schools introducing communication-friendly activities.<br />
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But in some schools, good communication is already close to their heart and The Communication Trust and Pearson Assessment are keen to reward them through the Shine a Light Awards 2012. The awards are an opportunity to reward and share good practice, as well as raising awareness of good speech, language and communication.<br />
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There are two school categories in the Shine a Light 2012 awards - one for primary and one for secondary schools and colleges – as well as awards for Young Person of the Year, Communication Champion and ‘Innovation Award’ among others. Judges are looking for schools where speech, language and communication development is a priority and where children with SLCN are spotted early and supported. They're also looking for schools which involve parents and work in partnership with other agencies to support children's speech, language and communication. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercliffe Meadow School with Vanessa Feltz</td></tr>
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Last year Watercliffe Meadow Primary School in Sheffield scooped the 'Communication Friendly Award – Primary Schools', receiving praise from the judges for its aim of 'getting things right from the start'. <br />
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The school places such a high priority on involving parents that staff created a series of five workshops for all families to attend, which allowed the teachers to work with the parents and children together, as well as giving them learning to take home. The school day is also designed from the child’s point of view, with a quarter of the day spent in play situations so children can practise talking in a natural setting.<br />
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To read more about Watercliffe Meadow Primary School’s success, click <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/8998/watercliffe_meadow_pri_sch_sheffield_case_study_final.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA2zfkb0siO93pJkU-7zKcNbJJLZ5Isq9jJs7w_ACXtYGDEF10NLDbqGQxM2zE8-5YByPhetfGpUKQT8fRN937nYna5mrG2JLaqSIyoABvbU3IE4rFXtyP6y_Z9hEDcwiiVkDV2vcmLw/s1600/Tricia+Laing+and+Marie+Underwood+from+Preston+Manor+School+with+Vanessa+Feltz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnA2zfkb0siO93pJkU-7zKcNbJJLZ5Isq9jJs7w_ACXtYGDEF10NLDbqGQxM2zE8-5YByPhetfGpUKQT8fRN937nYna5mrG2JLaqSIyoABvbU3IE4rFXtyP6y_Z9hEDcwiiVkDV2vcmLw/s200/Tricia+Laing+and+Marie+Underwood+from+Preston+Manor+School+with+Vanessa+Feltz.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tricia Lang and Marie Underwood from Preston Manor School</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Preston Manor School in Wembley won the ‘Communication Friendly Award - Secondary Schools’ after impressing judges with a project demonstrating joint-working between their Speech and Language Base and the Department of English. They targeted a group of Year 7 pupils and created opportunities to promote speaking and listening as part of the curriculum. The school also took the Hello campaign to its heart, using it as an inspiration, creating a ‘Year of Communication’ noticeboard so pupils and staff could see the ‘Focus of the Week’ and the materials available. <br />
<br />
To read more about Preston Manor’s work, click <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/8986/preston_manor_case_study_final.pdf" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Now you’ve seen what we’re looking for - does your school place a similar emphasis on pupils developing good speech, language and communication skills? Have you created innovative practices which have shown good results with your pupils? If so, you could be eligible for the Shine a Light Awards 2012. You can download an application form <a href="http://www.shinealightawards.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
If you’re not a school, do not despair – we have a range of other categories, including Youth Justice Award, Communication Champion and a Commissioning Award. Check out the microsite for more information.<br />
<br />
The closing date for applications has been extended to October 10th.<br />
<br />
Good luck! <br />
<br />
TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-14030959479746573852012-09-21T11:07:00.000+01:002012-09-21T11:10:59.265+01:00Keep raising the issue <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw74XvUEEi47XwFELyUTg1nvR10sQETN6ET4-gVrRuwzGrHTw2rBd_BUF7VuQyr2KoVfTTN5nj9vnBS1n89I0Y4QY5cBY_pu-VtFpXs5SnjS7LxdRk9YZB8Dl-4T1ApMn-_TQth2lbnc/s1600/Annette+Brooke+for+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMw74XvUEEi47XwFELyUTg1nvR10sQETN6ET4-gVrRuwzGrHTw2rBd_BUF7VuQyr2KoVfTTN5nj9vnBS1n89I0Y4QY5cBY_pu-VtFpXs5SnjS7LxdRk9YZB8Dl-4T1ApMn-_TQth2lbnc/s200/Annette+Brooke+for+blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Annette Brooke MP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<em>Guest blogger Annette Brooke MP (Mid Dorset and North Poole) tells us why she continues to fight on in the hope of getting better services and support for children with speech, language and communication needs and their families. She is a keen supporter of the speech and language issue, and helped The Communication Trust during the Hello campaign, the national year of communication, in 2011.</em> <br />
<br />
“I recently asked Sarah Teather, the former Minister of State for Children and Families, an oral question in Parliament on what more the Government can do to give better support to children with disabilities, including speech and language difficulties, through child care and in early learning centres. Sarah highlighted the publication of the draft provisions for special educational needs, which she hoped would go into the Bill next year. She said: “We are particularly looking at extending down the support and protection offered for children in the school system so that nought to fives get similar support.” She also pointed out that in the specific guidance to local authorities they highlighted the issue of making sure that they should provide more information for parents who have a disabled child.<br />
<br />
The reason that I asked this question was my ongoing concern that, despite the campaign for ‘Every Disabled Child Matters’ and the work on speech and language difficulties following the Bercow Report – including the Hello campaign, the national year of communication run by The Communication Trust, I still find that more support is needed for children at preschool and nursery. Many years ago, I visited a nursery in Brighton which was offering mainstream provision but within this a specialist unit for children from across the town with speech and language difficulties. I was so impressed, but despite my enthusiastic local lobbying, there is no such specialist provision in Poole, Dorset. I want all children to have the best possible support without having to travel a long distance. With the prospect of new legislation for children with SEN, it seems appropriate to make sure that the calls for better approaches and provision are well and truly heard. We know that appropriate early intervention can make a lifetime’s difference for a child and we must grasp the opportunities that will arise with this legislation. <br />
<br />
Since asking my question, there have been ministerial changes and so there is more to do right now. I welcome the joint commissioning of services, the introduction of Education, Health and Care Plans and a local offer to parents of children with SEN, including those with SCLN. We must make sure we stay on this track and also be ambitious about the outcomes we need, for example, reduced waiting times and better access to specialist support such as education psychologists, speech and language therapists.<br />
<br />
My question didn’t get the full answer I would have liked but from past experience it is so important to keep going and raising the issues, over and over again!” <br />
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-11491244231711973402012-07-24T13:57:00.000+01:002012-11-13T12:55:47.043+00:00Setting a good communication habit early on – by Press Officer Lynne Milford<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz1CMhXVldnhyE-anoIK4TSu9JowICIduZLPxQc7j3DRnTBGs_NU9E8d4BFuefefHfNt2ffb6_yni3LJlN8g9v57aaKCcbqwaCy3QqW5QdK0QnSV_MFgjjhlNIpsHf_H2Sjxnce5gq_k/s1600/Resize+UEA+nursery+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" sda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTz1CMhXVldnhyE-anoIK4TSu9JowICIduZLPxQc7j3DRnTBGs_NU9E8d4BFuefefHfNt2ffb6_yni3LJlN8g9v57aaKCcbqwaCy3QqW5QdK0QnSV_MFgjjhlNIpsHf_H2Sjxnce5gq_k/s320/Resize+UEA+nursery+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UEA Nursery representatives with Vanessa Feltz</td></tr>
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We all know that good communication is vital at any age, but the sooner children can get into the 'communication habit' the better. It is also very important that children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) are identified early so they can receive help and support.<br />
<br />
Quality early years provision with an emphasis on nurturing good communication in nurseries, childminders, play groups or Children’s Centres is key. This is why we are once again looking to honour the Early Years Setting of the Year in our Shine a Light Awards 2012.<br />
<br />
Last year, the winner was the University of East Anglia Nursery. They were praised by the judges for carrying out termly assessments of the children’s development and highlighting any children who were struggling. The nursery also uses play plans to develop specific activities and encourage the children to talk more and expand their vocabulary.<br />
<br />
‘Story Sacks’ are taken home by parents to promote speaking and listening at home and they also provide informal parents’ open evenings for staff to interact and share information. <br />
<br />
Staff at the nursery said: “Since winning the award we have been approached and visited by other professionals seeking advice. We were proud to be able to mention our award during our OFSTED inspection in January, when we received “Outstanding” across the board. The Vice Chancellor of the University took the time to write to the nursery, congratulating us on our achievement. All staff are extremely proud that their hard work has been recognised and it has been a real boost.”<br />
<br />
For more information read the UEA Nursery case study <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/about-the-trust/what-is-the-hello-campaign/highlighted-activities/shine-a-light.aspx" target="_blank">here</a> <br />
<br />
This year, the judges are again looking for early years settings which are working hard to promote and support children’s communication. This could be:<br />
<br />
• Prioritising speech, language and communication development in all children<br />
<br />
• Making sure children with SLCN are quickly identified and supported<br />
<br />
• Involving parents in supporting children to develop good speech, language and communication<br />
<br />
• Working in partnership with other professionals and agencies to support better communication development<br />
<br />
• Providing evidence of the impact they have made on children by changing their practices<br />
<br />
• Investing in their staff training and development to promote excellent practice.<br />
<br />
So, do you think you’ve got what it takes to be Early Years Setting of the Year? <br />
<br />
We’d love to hear from you about your work and how you support children to improve their speech, language and communication. Log onto <a href="http://www.shinealightawards.co.uk/">http://www.shinealightawards.co.uk/</a> to download an application form and good luck!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you’d like to help us promote this category to others, you can download our eCommunications Toolkit <a href="http://www.pearsonclinical.co.uk/Educationnews/shine-a-light.aspx?tab=5" target="_blank">here</a> It has lots of hints and tips to make the most of your social media and email networks.</li>
</ul>
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-60887187263061184202012-07-19T13:21:00.000+01:002012-07-26T13:16:01.885+01:00Silent Voices: Listening to Young People with Selective Mutism<em>Guest post by Victoria Roe, (B. Phil. Ed., MA) Vice-Chair of SMIRA (Selective Mutism Information and Research Association)</em> <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaNb8UOSvFzIjvXdXGBlgjKG8UvoiJoGbirAW5oe7RYWJW333mOFWXcFHwATccLKuZXnFKAGdt-R8zz7ijfMfv-vp9cEo6t5YhvDUJmxE29K7WFhDWSBp16e3OPtV45uWxT9NQb0DiCc/s1600/Victoria+Roe+Picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSaNb8UOSvFzIjvXdXGBlgjKG8UvoiJoGbirAW5oe7RYWJW333mOFWXcFHwATccLKuZXnFKAGdt-R8zz7ijfMfv-vp9cEo6t5YhvDUJmxE29K7WFhDWSBp16e3OPtV45uWxT9NQb0DiCc/s1600/Victoria+Roe+Picture.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victoria Roe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How can I listen to the experiences of young people with Selective Mutism, when they are unable to speak to strangers? That was the problem I faced in doing research for an MA at the University of Leicester in 2010. <br />
Children with Selective Mutism (SM) speak confidently in some situations, but remain silent in others, usually outside the home. SM often starts in early chiIdhood, but, if left untreated, may persist into adulthood. I have worked with such children as a Primary teacher since 1979 and devised a programme to help them. <br />
<br />
Although there had been quite a lot of research into SM, none of it provided accounts from those affected about what it was like to have SM and how they communicated when they could not speak.<br />
<br />
Since interviews were not feasible, I devised a questionnaire, which allowed the young people to provide answers by selecting options and writing statements in their own words. Thirty youngsters aged 10-18 from the SMIRA membership took part, which was a good-sized sample for SM research.<br />
<br />
The results confirmed the findings of other research, but also added new evidence about where and with whom the youngsters were able to speak and what helped or hindered their communication. Their personality profiles were positive, sensitive and caring, more than quiet and anxious.<br />
<br />
Uniquely, the findings revealed the pain, isolation, frustration, courage and determination of the youngsters, the limiting effects of SM upon their lives and their communication strategies, including the use of electronic devices. <br />
<br />
Their message was that they do want to talk and are not being rude when remaining silent. Acceptance and understanding helped them overcome SM.<br />
<br />
A summary of the findings was published in ‘Young Minds’ (Summer 2012) - to read article click <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/about-the-trust/what-do-we-do/latest-news.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
The full research paper is available on the British Education Index at:<br />
<a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/203095.pdf">http://www.leeds.ac.uk/educol/documents/203095.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<br /><br />
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</div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-61226243614997438572012-07-10T16:37:00.005+01:002012-07-10T16:37:57.226+01:00Shine a Light…one award that you do want to win… Mark Beagan, Business Development Manager<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There are some awards that
you dream about winning – an Oscar, Noble
Peace Prize, Rear of the Year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There are some that you’d
rather not win – Britain’s Got Talent, your ‘BFH’, a Darwin Award. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">There are even awards you’d
much prefer it if someone else won, cue the annual ‘Foot in Mouth Award’ (see <a href="http://www.plainenglish.co.uk/awards/foot-in-mouth-award/foot-in-mouth-winners.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">here</span></a> for previous winners!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Having been involved in
launching the Shine a Light 2012 awards, hopefully I can convince you that
winning a ‘Shine a Light’ Award is up there with the best of them. However
don’t take my word for it, just ask some of the last year’s winners. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ask Bhaimia Mariyam from Newham
Community Health. Like many other NHS departments, times have been pretty tough
lately. In spite of the many challenges, however, Bhaimia and her
colleagues have managed to create one of the best SLT Teams in the country.
From their point of view, winning a 2011 Shine a Light Award has helped to
significantly raise their profile and, just as importantly, boost staff morale.
As Bhaimia pointed out, the food was also “delicious” at the awards ceremony! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For Jack Marshall, winning
the Young Person of the Year represented something else. His award was an
opportunity to highlight that young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) can and do achieve just
like anyone else. He moved everyone to tears at the award ceremony last year
when he said "just don’t give up trying". <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The best thing about winning
the Early Years Award for the Nursery at Norwich University was the response
from parents. As the manager, Anne Meyer, explained, staff have received lots
of positive feedback from parents, who are now even more aware now of the importance
of their role in supporting communication skills. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">The 2012 Shine a Light Awards
has 11 categories and is now open for application. We know you’re out there
doing amazing things to support children’s communication development. Please
apply so that we can tell everyone else <a href="http://www.shinealightawards.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: windowtext;">www.shinealightawards.co.uk</span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">I’ll leave you now with the
immortal words of former England football manager, Steve McClaren, who said,
“He (Wayne Rooney) is inexperienced, but he's experienced in terms of what he's
been through.” Winner, 2007 Foot in Mouth Award.<o:p></o:p></span></div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-41139701000276328362012-06-07T12:57:00.005+01:002012-06-07T12:57:52.857+01:00Focus on phonics - Catherine Hillis, Programme Manager<br />
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On Monday 18<sup>th</sup>
June, year 1 pupils across England will take the phonics screening check for
the first time. If you haven’t already heard about it, this is a new statutory
check consisting of 40 words that pupils read one-to-one with a teacher –
you can find out more at <a href="http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/teachingandlearning/assessment/keystage1/a00200415/year-1-phonics-screening-check-materials" target="_blank"> the Department of Education website</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The phonics
screening check has not been without controversy, receiving criticism from <a href="http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/voice-the-union-for-education-professionals/article/an-open-letter-to-michael-gove-regarding-the-phonics-check-f" target="_blank">a collation of education organisations</a>, alongside the <a href="http://www.teachers.org.uk/phonics" target="_blank">NUT</a> and the <a href="http://www.naht.org.uk/welcome/naht-events/conferences/annual-conference-2012/russell-hobby-speech-to-annual-conference-2012/" target="_blank">NAHT</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Whatever
your opinion of the check however, what's important to us here at the Trust is
that children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) get the
support that they need. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
SLCN is the
most common SEN identified by primary schools and is a feature of many other
areas of SEN, such as hearing impairment, learning difficulties and autistic
spectrum difficulties. Obviously, there
are implications for many children with SLCN, many of whom may struggle with
the check.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
But help is
at hand! This week the Trust published <b><i>Communicating
Phonics</i></b> to support teachers delivering and interpreting the phonics
screening test to children with SLCN. The guide will help teachers to deliver
the test this June, but also has lots of useful tips and advice to support the
overall literacy development of children with SLCN.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Communicating
Phonics</i></b> is available at <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/phonics" target="_blank">www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/phonics</a>. To make it as easy as possible for busy
teachers and SLTs to find the information they need, you can either download
the whole guide, the appropriate section, or information on an individual SLCN.</div>
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<br /></div>
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You can also
download useful factsheets with key tips for different audiences including <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/18970/final_phonics_factbox_for_key_stage_one_teachers.pdf" target="_blank">year1 teachers</a>, <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/18973/phonics_factbox_for_reception_teachers.pdf" target="_blank">reception teachers</a>, <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/18976/phonics_factboxes_for_parents.pdf" target="_blank">parents of children with SLCN</a>, those interested in <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/18979/phonics_factbox_on_developing_literacy_for_children_with_slcn.pdf" target="_blank">literacy development</a>, and those who just want the <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/18967/factbox_of_key_principles_about_the_phonics_checker.pdf" target="_blank">key principles</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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And last but
not least we need your help. We want
every child with SLCN to have a positive experience of the check and the best
support possible in their ongoing literacy development. So please do help us
spread the word to as many schools as possible!</div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-71111651676929052272012-05-14T16:36:00.000+01:002012-05-16T16:36:51.004+01:00Talking is just the ticket<span class="EOP SCX144508089" style="font-family: Calibri,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;">By Eve Wagg, Programme Manager for <em>Talk of the Town</em><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDBUjP9-joP8JtrezEKGCLcnCgECuOtd3IuLEjP4HLORNgulqPDLuPtN6JFdt45pLIXJ-AWrjCMmcoWG9ihdkBIysZFjvaNF3K9Z8ufBgMnkxstw55b-THw23B1cMZ-HLbNfg__55DU8/s1600/girls+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvDBUjP9-joP8JtrezEKGCLcnCgECuOtd3IuLEjP4HLORNgulqPDLuPtN6JFdt45pLIXJ-AWrjCMmcoWG9ihdkBIysZFjvaNF3K9Z8ufBgMnkxstw55b-THw23B1cMZ-HLbNfg__55DU8/s320/girls+crop.jpg" width="320px" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girls at the Museum of Science and Industry</td></tr>
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<br />This weekend I went to a farm with my nephew Tom and I’m not sure who had more fun - me or him. We fed the pigs, learnt that goats are great swimmers (who knew?), and had a yummy cream tea at the local cafe. It got me thinking that we all love a trip or day out, whatever our age. <br /><br />A very similar experience happened at the Trust last week, when we were fortunate enough to be able to support a primary school in Wythenshawe to take children, joined by a parent, to the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester. Not only was this the first time some of the children had gone to a museum but it was also the first time that parents were invited to join a school trip. <br /><br />There was a real buzz across the day from the parents, children and staff. Parents were given a booklet that encouraged lots of interaction as children looked at exhibits. All the parents commented on the fun they had with their children and the staff were so delighted with the day that they are already planning another for next year. <br /><br />This trip was funded by a much larger project called Talk of the Town which is a community led approach to supporting speech, language and communication in children from 0-19. It’s currently being piloted in a small part of Wythenshawe, Greater Manchester, with the support of the local community. <br /><br />As part of the project we’re looking at providing lots of opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s speech and language development as we know this is really important if they are to become confident communicators. <br /><br />We’re running lots of parent activities including volunteer-led projects offering training for parents and the local children’s centres are running increasingly popular ‘Stay and Play’ sessions and setting up new activities for families including ‘Babbling Babies’ sessions. We’re also working closely with the local museum teams to offer trips like last week’s. <br /><br />Museums offer a lot to talk about as there are things you see that you don’t come across every day. They are also usually free and offer free activity packs for children. But museums aren’t the only activities that offer great ways to support communication – simple things like putting a few minutes aside every day for talking together with no background noise; exploring new words as you come across them and praising good communication can all help. Lots more opportunities for encouraging conversation happen on outings and some ideas can be found in our Summer Talk pack here (<a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/7170/summer_talk.pdf">www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/media/7170/summer_talk.pdf</a>) <br /><br />I don’t know about you but I’m already planning my next trip. I’m thinking about the new local park as I’m sure Tom will love feeding the ducks and I may just be able to have a go on the swings... <br /><br />To find out more about Talk of the Town, click here (<a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/schools/projects/talk-of-the-town.aspx">http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/schools/projects/talk-of-the-town.aspx</a>) </span>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-41855888379900155362012-05-11T15:14:00.000+01:002012-05-11T15:14:33.829+01:00Time to say farewell, but not goodbye<div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX215867860" style="margin-left: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anita Kerwin-Nye, outgoing director</td></tr>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">It’s been a fantastic five years as Director of The Communication Trust. </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">To say I am remarkably proud of </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">t</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">he</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> organisation</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> and all those involved in our work is an understatement. </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">We have been on an incredible journey which culminated in the </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hello</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> campaign</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> (national year of communication)</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> last year</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> that reached 70% of UK adults (</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Metrika</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> 2012) and disseminated 400,000 free resources</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> to families and professionals</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">. </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">We have gr</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">own from a small</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> consortium of just a few</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> members to </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">a </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">strong</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> 48-member consortium with </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">vast s</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">kills and experience</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> in the field of children’s speech, language and communication</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">.</span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">When I first came to the speech and language sector, parents were battling a system where their child’s speech, language and communication needs were regularly being misunderstood, misinterpreted and in the worst cases, just missed altogether.</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> Now, thanks to our work</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> and that of our partners</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">, the situation is improved, although we s</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">till have a long way to go.</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">We have had a great number of supporters along the way</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">. N</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">ot least I CAN</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">, </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Afasic</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> and BT who realised five years ago, in</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> the wake of the </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Bercow</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> Review, </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">that no single organisation could reach the children’s workforce effectively. This led to the birth of the Trust and at its core is collaborating with others.</span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">This served us well when we ran the </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hello</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> campaign in partnership with Jean Gross, formerly the Government’s Communication Champion for children, and we have extended our networks even further. </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">T</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">o all those people who </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">has supported us since the Trust’s inception or new supporters that joined us through the national year of communication, </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">pass on my sincere thanks for all you have done – big or small.</span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">A</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">s we put the finishing touches to The Communication Trust’s </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">5-years on </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">mpact Report and </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Hello</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> evaluation report</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">, it feels</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> like</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> the right time</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> for me</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> to move on. </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">A strong strategy has been put in place for the next five years and this will be taken forward by the Trust’s very capable staff team. </span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">I am sure, like me, you will be keenly keep</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">ing</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> an eye on the Trust as it continues to grow and take the issue of speech and language to more and more people. </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">In the coming months, the Trust will be launching a campaign to place communication at the heart of schools and disseminating best practice in the field of speech and language to the widest possible audience. </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Exciting times ahead! </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">Because communication is everybody’s business, I will be taking it with me into my next ventures and continue championing the cause. So it’s not really goodbye from me, but farewell. </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB">To keep in touch with Anita, you can follow her on Twitter here</span><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><a class="Hyperlink SCX215867860" href="http://www.twitter.com/anitakntweets" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCX215867860" style="color: blue; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: underline;" xml:lang="EN-GB">www.twitter.com/anitakntweets</span></a><span class="TextRun SCX215867860" style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;" xml:lang="EN-GB"> </span><span class="EOP SCX215867860" style="font-family: Arial,Sans-Serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
</div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-6723268914220508312012-05-09T11:45:00.001+01:002012-05-09T11:45:19.582+01:00Working togetherBy Faith Cross, Attachment, Language and Communication Professional, Trainer for The Communication Trust<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9GxeRaKoDh1idXVaMffPIhgX7RlaZWChdiccLHHLu6jo2HDWUXrFH20mW921LGHCWpHkxg2mFtLAfAChZzaf5P_A_g5794SLDv1K77L4UOf3qt34VmbUhpvu0QukffA-tIxuQfQMBy0/s1600/Faith+Cross+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" dba="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD9GxeRaKoDh1idXVaMffPIhgX7RlaZWChdiccLHHLu6jo2HDWUXrFH20mW921LGHCWpHkxg2mFtLAfAChZzaf5P_A_g5794SLDv1K77L4UOf3qt34VmbUhpvu0QukffA-tIxuQfQMBy0/s1600/Faith+Cross+crop.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faith Cross</td></tr>
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I have trained Youth Offending Team staff in Hidden Communication Difficulties, across the country for over a year now. I have learned a great deal about how they support vulnerable children and young people. I have come to the conclusion that many YOT staffs have more knowledge, skills and strategies for working with children/young people with Hidden Communication Needs than some teaching staff in High Schools. This is not to discredit staff in schools - not enough support and training is provided to help teachers recognise the complex needs of some children and young people. More training and information regarding diverse and complex needs plus, understanding the implications of behaviours that are exhibited, will ensure some young people avoid a route in to the Youth Justice system. With shared knowledge of SLCN and Hidden Communication Needs, school staff/other agencies can prevent some pupils from becoming excluded, thereby increasing the opportunities for accessing vital services to support assessment, and provide appropriate interventions. Many youngsters either opt out or are excluded from the education system due to their “behaviour”. Behaviour is seen, but often not understood.<br />
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The Communication Trust training for Youth Offending Teams is good and needs to continue, but we need some joined up thinking. Training needs to be provided to a wider group eg Magistrates, the Police, plus all services working with Children, Young People and Families. We all need to be skilled, knowledgeable and consistent in our approach. When key messages are consistently given by Youth Workers, Health Practitioners, the Police, Court Officials, Teaching Staff etc - we can achieve a united front for the benefit of Children and Young People. <br />
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One practical solution I will promote is that Sentence Trouble training materials could be included in SENCO training. Liaison between SENCOs and their local YOT/Secure Children’s Estate is highly desirable to support young people’s transition back in to Education. High School staff and Key Stage 2 staff would benefit from viewing the film but also undertaking Day 1 of the YOT training (or the equivalent). There are numerous excellent resources and materials available to support SLCN – the YOT training materials provide another perspective.<br />
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I firmly believe that when working with children and young people, we need to support the development of their language and communication skills. <br />
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Contact Dave Mahon to give your support.<br />
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-75136892791259520082012-05-03T22:45:00.000+01:002012-05-03T14:55:11.014+01:00Streamlining our social media to offer better service<br />
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By Lynne Milford, Press Officer<br />
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The evaluation of <em>Hello</em>, the national year of communication, is almost complete and the campaign is practically wound up. We’ve already merged our websites to make sure all the information is contained in one easy-to-find place. All that remains is to streamline our social media.<br />
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At present we have a dedicated Facebook page and a Twitter feed for <em>Hello</em> and we’re delighted with the number of people who chose to follow the campaign through these channels. But now we plan to close these down and put out all our information through The Communication Trust’s own pages.<br />
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Rest assured all our latest news and information will continue to be sent out through our two remaining social media sites. There will also be more detailed articles posted on our blog <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.blogspot.com/">http://www.thecommunicationtrust.blogspot.com/</a> so pop along and check out the content already on there. You can also choose to subscribe to the blog so you receive an email every time we post if you feel the content will be relevant to you. Click on the black box on the right hand side of the screen. The blog reflects the work of The Communication Trust as a whole, as well as other relevant stories in the news.<br />
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We hope you choose to continue following the Trust and keeping up with all our work and resources. If you would like to keep following us, please ‘like’ or ‘follow’ our pages at these links:<br />
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Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/communicationtrust">www.facebook.com/communicationtrust</a><br />
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Twitter: <a href="http://www.twitter.com/Comm_nTrust">www.twitter.com/Comm_nTrust</a><br />
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The <em>Hello</em> Facebook and Twitter pages will be closed on Friday June 1st, so you have plenty of time to find our other pages and keep up with news and events from the Trust.<br />
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We’re always keen to hear your feedback and we want to make these pages as user friendly as we possibly can, so please contact Press Officer Lynne Milford on <a href="mailto:lmilford@thecommunicationtrust.org.uk">lmilford@thecommunicationtrust.org.uk</a> if you have any comments.<br />
<br />TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-49781525305067017522012-05-02T11:09:00.001+01:002012-05-04T12:12:35.109+01:00The Star Thrower - Guest slot, Diz Minnitt, Operational Manager, Milton Keynes Youth Offending Team<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_SvLmlksFbukC7qszMfe9g7hGFUI-eJ0KKHDmN2daicqHwVR-fBJHnYoM-NH_O1Tc5ilRAcg5BZwhLXrPiN2Af7KP_75cw-e4295sy6eyiIxynb9Fu7X2hDd59Mla-EYCE4T-S-AkYo/s1600/Diz+portrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik_SvLmlksFbukC7qszMfe9g7hGFUI-eJ0KKHDmN2daicqHwVR-fBJHnYoM-NH_O1Tc5ilRAcg5BZwhLXrPiN2Af7KP_75cw-e4295sy6eyiIxynb9Fu7X2hDd59Mla-EYCE4T-S-AkYo/s200/Diz+portrait.jpg" width="154" /></a><em>“A man was walking along the beach when he saw a girl picking up starfish and carefully throwing them into the sea. He called to her ‘Why are you throwing starfish into the sea?’. The girl paused and said ‘The tide is going out; if I don't throw them in they'll die.’ The man said ‘But there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it. You can't possibly make a difference!’ </em></div>
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<em><br /></em><em>The girl listened politely, bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, beyond the breaking waves. "It made a difference for that one!"</em></div>
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David felt like a permanent fixture in Court. By December 2010 he had been sentenced 13 times for 38 offences including burglary. </div>
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He had a diagnosis of Conduct Disorder and struggled in or truanted from his numerous schools despite a Statement of SEN. He had not had a speech and language therapy assessment so in 2009 the Youth Offending Team (YOT) arranged one. It identified David’s ‘severe language and comprehension difficulties’, particularly his inability to understand and use verbal information (essential for consequential thinking skills) which was at the level of a six year old.</div>
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Everything changed, the YOT worked differently with David and he made progress. The SLT Assessment was shared with his college, support was put in place, and David started and stayed on a motor mechanics course. His offending reduced so by Spring 2011 he had completed all his Court Orders. </div>
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However, David still had to appear in a Crown Court Trial for a burglary offence he had committed when he was fifteen years old. The defence solicitor was granted the use of an Intermediary to support David in the Trial. </div>
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David was found guilty and the Judge directed that the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) should address a custodial sentence of between 18 months and 4 years as the ‘only option’. However, the PSR included full details of the SLT Assessment and proposed to the Court a community sentence. This was the lynchpin in determining David’s immediate future.</div>
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David was sentenced to a community sentence of an 18-month Youth Rehabilitation Order allowing the effective work with him to continue, and he has fully complied. With the exception of a minor offence of possession of cannabis for which he received a Conditional Discharge David has not offended since December 2010. <br />
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The Speech and Language Assessment provided a turning point. David’s complex needs were recognised and better understood and the work to help him change his behaviour became effective. This change of approach by the YOT and education staff helped him to make the important move away from a pattern of persistent reoffending with its associated cost to the community and impact on victims, into training with the real potential for employment and a more positive offence-free future. Whilst locking David up would have been a defensible option given his history of offending, I am in little doubt, and the statistics bear this out, that the longer term financial cost and human cost to future victims would have far outweighed any short term gains.<br />
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It made a difference for that one. <br />
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<strong>Diz Minnitt is Operational Manager Milton Keynes Youth Offending Team (YOT)</strong></div>
<strong>Association of YOT Managers Speech and Language Lead </strong></div>
</div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-12188254591219604312012-04-27T14:27:00.000+01:002012-04-27T14:43:04.355+01:00Are all young defendants offered a fair trial? <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penny Cooper</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; line-height: 150%; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By Penny Cooper, a Barrister and Associate Dean at City University Law School</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">For many people, an appearance in court is a confusing blur of baffling procedures and jargon; for more than half of young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN), I can only think it is akin to being tried in a court in a foreign language that you don’t understand. One young man Jack (not his real name) who was involved in last year’s civil disturbances, said he ‘didn’t have a clue what was going on and for guidance looked to his Mum, sitting in the visitors’ gallery. Needless to say the ‘non-verbals’ were not positive; his Mum was crying. When asked what would make a difference Jack said “It would help if they had, like, a person who could stand with you to help you understand” . What Jack doesn’t know is that there is a name for that person – an intermediary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Unfortunately if Jack was permitted his ‘person’ to help him there are several hurdles to get over:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hurdle one - there is no statute in force that guarantees an intermediary for a defendant, but judges have a responsibility to ensure that trials are fair - so you have to hope for wise judges. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hurdle two - assuming the judge is wise and informed, there is no clear mechanism for ‘screening’ the defendant for speech, language and communication needs. Who and how do they check to see if the defendant needs an intermediary? This is why training the police and the lawyers about what to look for is so important. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Hurdle three - Even if a judge says that the defendant can have one, their lawyer will probably have difficulty finding someone with expertise to act as an intermediary. Registered Intermediaries have special training and accreditation so that they know how to work in the court system for the benefit of witnesses, but defendants have no way of getting a Registered Intermediary because the government hasn’t made the Ministry of Justice scheme available to defendants. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Even if the defendant’s lawyer does identify an intermediary there is no obvious source of funding. When people ask for funding, they can get told that legal aid won’t pay for it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the interests of justice and a fair trial, it is vital that the Government looks at the absence of Registered Intermediaries for defendants. With over half of young people in the courts with speech, language and communication needs, it could be that the majority of defendants would be eligible for an intermediary. However the price for not doing this is too high: defendants won’t be properly part of their own trial if their speech, language and communication needs are not being met. Crucially, there are profound implications in terms of accuracy of statements, a fair trial and the sentence imposed. A defendant is not guilty until found so by the court, after a fair trial. But are we offering a fair trial to young people with communication needs if we don’t support them to understand what people are saying to them and to ensure they get their story across?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Penny appears in a new film, organised by our Youth Justice team. Click here to view it <span style="font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.sentencetrouble.info/">http://www.sentencetrouble.info/</a></span></span></div>
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</div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-15768093109465419482012-04-26T09:31:00.000+01:002012-04-26T09:31:10.350+01:00Silence in court?<div class="ecxMsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">By Dave Mahon, Youth Justice Programme Manager </span></b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Mahon</td></tr>
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A few weeks ago we met Jason (not his real name) who had appeared in court recently. He had an acquired hearing impairment as a result of a virus. Put simply, he needed a hearing loop to enable him to participate in the court proceedings. Although it was requested ahead of time, on the day of proceedings the loop was broken and a replacement couldn’t be found. Jason was offered an adjournment , but after many months he didn’t want to wait any longer. If it meant a custodial sentence then so be it.</div>
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So the proceedings went ahead and passed Jason by in a blur. When sentenced, he walked to the wrong exit, assuming he was to be taken into custody. However, the judge had handed him a <i>community</i> sentence. Disoriented, he left via the front door where his sister explained what had happened. Who knows what else Jason may have missed or misinterpreted which potentially could have had serious implications?</div>
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Other young people we interviewed appeared similarly disconnected from the process. Some struggled with the language that was used. For example, one lad didn’t understand the word ‘remorse’. Others made a connection with the process, but only because they’d seen it happen ‘in films’ not because anyone had explained it to them. </div>
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A fair trial, regardless of the outcome of the case, means being able to interact and understand all procedures, whether you have a disability or not. That’s why we’re calling for urgent changes in the law so that defendants with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have the same rights as witnesses to an intermediary, who can support them to communicate with a police officer or judge.</div>
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This week The Communication Trust launches <i>Sentence Trouble</i>, a film produced to improve the skills and confidence of youth offending teams, lawyers, secure estate staff, magistrates and the police so they are able to recognise SLCN and reflect on their own communication skills.</div>
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To watch the Sentence trouble film click here <a href="http://www.sentencetrouble.info/film" target="_blank">http://www.sentencetrouble.info/film</a></div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-3657805713314032012-03-12T13:00:00.003+00:002012-03-12T13:04:40.129+00:00Listening to children and young people with SLCN by Wendy Lee, Professional Director<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >It is fascinating talking to children and really listening to what they have to say. As a speech and language therapist, working with children with SLCN, you have to listen – all the time; to find out what makes children tick, the right way to approach support, to make sure it fits with their lives, their interests, their priorities...the list is endless. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Most importantly, children with SLCN often have lots to say – not necessarily about their impairment, but about themselves, their teachers, their lives, their friends, their choices. Listening to and valuing their views has huge implications for children’s confidence and attitude to learning. </span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Recently, I have been very lucky to be involved in a project, set up by Professors Sue Roulstone and Sharynne McLeod. Their vision was to write a book on listening to children with SLCN. They gathered together a group people from different fields, different sectors and with different roles and perspectives, but all with a common bond. We were all interested in children and young people, some were focused on speech, language and communication needs and all were interested in best ways to hear children’s views. We were given an opportunity to share elements of our work; with fascinating insight from the academic’s perspective across different theoretical fields, the practical perspective of working with children with SLCN, thoughts from Afasic’s Linda Lascelles about the parent perspective and from the ever inspiring Abigail Beverly – an artist and textile designer who also has SLCN.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Sue and Sharynne saw that a book to capture this myriad of perspectives through a common goal would be a useful addition to information for people working with children with SLCN. We were asked whether we were able and willing to contribute, with the idea that the book would aim to have both theoretical and academic perspectives alongside practical examples. We were all asked to write our elements of the book, with Sue and Sharynne pulling together into one coherent text - an unenviable task with so many contributors.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >We know listening to children with SLCN can create challenges for adults – it can be hard to properly listen to them, to make sure their choices are real choices, to ensure they understand and can be understood. We know there are inherent difficulties in enabling children with SLCN to participate and contribute in the same way as their peers and we know from research that communication difficulties are frequently given as the reason why disabled children are not consulted. In fact, some cases the views of children with communication difficulties are often ignored.</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >The book, recently published, aims to go some way in overcoming these issues and giving anyone working with children with SLCN the insight into why it is so important and what can work....</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; ">For more information about the book, visit </span><span >http://hello.org.uk/latest-news/latest-news.aspx</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; "><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; font-size: 100%; ">To order a copy, visit the publisher’s website http://www.jr-press.co.uk/communication-needs.html</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><br /></div>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-76316596772066903512012-02-24T16:39:00.004+00:002012-02-24T16:44:36.311+00:00The Toddler Testing Debate - Wendy Lee, Professional Director<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> 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<w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">There was a piece in The Times earlier in the week describing how a test done in the US with toddlers could predict problems in literacy. As a speech and language therapist, my reaction is – well of course it does!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">In my gut I know this to be true, though we also have research evidence of the importance of vocabulary and of language levels in young children being predictors of how children manage at school.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">But we do get very worried when we hear the word ‘testing’ and ‘toddlers’ in the same sentence - and understandably so. Recently we saw headlines expressing concerns about the testing of toddlers as part of the new Early Years Foundation Stage and Healthy Child Programme.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I guess we imagine the worst, rows of babies and toddlers being put through their paces to spot those who don’t quite make the grade. No one wants that.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I would be the first to argue against ‘hot housing’ children, taking away their childhood, not allowing them to play, have fun and be individuals and pushing them into formal teaching but this is not about testing in that way.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">This is about knowing that language and communication is important to us all! As parents, we want our children to be good at talking. We value communication.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">As professionals, we know communication is more than just talking. It is the vehicle for learning, it is the flip side of reading and writing, it is necessary to regulate our behavior, to organise our thinking, to build relationships and to work and live with others.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I’ve worked as a speech and language therapist for more years than I would care to admit. I have met every kind of teacher, parent and professional – those who are desperately worried that their child cannot say ‘r’ at age 4 (this is fine) and those who are OK with the fact their child can’t put 3 words together at 4 (this is not fine – and no, he won’t just catch up, though many will quote exceptions to the rule – Einstein for example).</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">I have also seen what happens when children with poor language are not picked up early. Some children with potential to catch up don’t, others who have long term language needs end up misunderstood or misdiagnosed. I have shared frustration with parents and colleagues, working with older children seen as ‘low ability’ with poor reading, poor behavior, no confidence… knowing had they been picked up at age two or three, life would look and feel very different.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US;font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">Surely, we want to avoid this scenario. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We can ‘test’ children when they are young; it can be fun, it just looks like playing – or at least that is how children and many parents see it! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ansi-language:EN-US"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:100%;">We can pick out those children who, with support at the right time, can catch up. We can also pick up those with longer term needs who can be understood by adults that work with them, so they can be supported to learn and progress in the best way to suit their needs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:7;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size:12.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-65565810270156682712012-02-21T10:59:00.001+00:002012-02-21T11:00:31.783+00:00The bigger fight - Anita Kerwin-Nye, DirectorWe spend our days raising the profile of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). We work on solutions to ensure earlier identification and we battle for more support for children who struggle. We win some (quite a lot); we lose some (too many) and we continue to fight the good fight.<br /><br />But this morning it occurred that there is a bigger fight at hand. As unemployment figures rise, as young people are demonised in the media as illiterate yobs and as the language of government moves towards “ the disabled and the tax payers” as if they were two polarised groups that never overlap what world are we sending the young people we work with into?<br /><br />Of course the work that we’re doing means that they enter that world with the best possible chance and the best possible skills and, of course, many young people who struggle to communicate will end up in wonderful jobs, pursuing their careers and interests with great outcomes. But we run the risk of a generation adrift – where communication skills matter more than ever and those who struggle have their life chances limited by bad policy, a judgemental media and employers who do not see the talent that they are missing out on.<br /><br />It’s not all doom and gloom – employers like the wonderful Co-Op in Nottinghamshire, winner of our Employer Shine a Light Award are doing wonderful work providing meaningful opportunities for young people with SLCN. Charities like SCOPE and MENCAP do great work in modelling best inclusive working practices.<br /><br />However, they are working against the tide. When Ministers suggest that the disabled should be forced into unpaid work, and the front pages of the papers are full of stories of the grunting youth, we have our work cut out.<br /><br />But do we collude? Of course services should be efficient but when we make the case that a service should continue because it provides an economic benefit downstream; when we tell employers that they should care about those with disabilities or SEN because they represent a significant part of their market; when we don’t collectively react with rage when parents have to pay for half their child’s AAC because while admitting the need the local authority says it’s just not got the budget, are we colluding with the underlying message that money, and from this an individual’s economic worth, is all that matters? Of course we can deploy these messages to good effect – and they are not wrong - but maybe we need to apply some balance.<br /><br />To have the services that you need for your health and education; to have the best possible chance of employment and a decent living wage; to be supported if you cannot work; to be valued as an individual and included within society – these are things are not privileges if there is enough cash. These are rights. That’s the bigger fight.TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-59321905575420832362012-01-20T10:11:00.000+00:002012-01-20T12:11:32.635+00:00Guest slot, Jean Gross CBEIt’s been a busy week, publishing a <a href="http://www.hello.org.uk/latest-news/latest-news.aspx">final report</a> on my work as Communication Champion and talking to journalists and on the radio about my findings. As always, some of the media picked up on the less important messages and were less interested in the very serious issues of cuts to front-line services - but not all. I hope the publicity will do a little good.<br /><br />It’s time, then, for me to ‘sign off’ as Champion. It has been a wonderful two years. I have seen fantastic practice in everything from baby groups to schools to young offender institutions. I’ve seen people everywhere get behind the <em>Hello</em> campaign with energy and creativity that no-one could have expected, given that many of those involved were uncertain whether they would still have a job in the future.<br /><br />Highlights for me in the last weeks were the <em>Hello</em> Heroes event at BT Tower, a weekend with AAC users in Derbyshire, a visit to a language unit at Little Ridge School and visits to some really communication-friendly schools in Sheffield. And then , of course, there was being awarded a CBE in the New Year’s Honours list.<br /><br />Getting an honour is a pretty random process and I have met so many people who deserve it a lot more than I do. But I was very pleased, especially with all the kind messages I got from people I have worked with. Thanks to you all for taking the time to write, and all those who sent the Trust a message to put in the big black memories book I was given as a leaving present. I will treasure that for ever.<br /><br />People ask me what will happen now that I have stepped down. The answer is that the championing of SLCN will continue just as it did before the time-limited Champion role existed, through the highly effective lobbying work of The Communication Trust and the RCSLT. You can feel absolutely confident that a strong voice for children’s communication skills is still working hard to support all those children and young people everywhere whose needs still often remain unmet.<br /><br />So good luck to the Trust for its future, vital work- and I wish all of you the very best for 2012 and beyond.TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-20853184098379051922012-01-18T16:23:00.000+00:002012-01-18T16:27:34.022+00:00Could the Minister please read the report now? - Anita Kerwin-Nye, DirectorJean Gross last report as the Communication Champion was released this week, please click here to <a href="http://www.thecommunicationtrust.org.uk/news/news.aspx">view</a>.<br /><br />Full of excellent intelligence on the state of services on the ground and bursting with sensible recommendations for improving outcomes for over a million children, you would have thought that this would be on the must read list for relevant Ministers – or at least their special advisors – or I’d settle for their junior civil servant.<br /><br />However, the Minister for Public Health - Anne Milton – press response to the report is very telling, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16548559">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-16548559</a>. Repeating the now ubiquitous quote that GP commissioning will solve all shows a total lack of understanding of how children’s community health services operate in practice and frankly leaves me in doubt as to whether anyone in her department has even read the report.<br /><br />Jean Gross’ report is clear on the risks of leaving services for children with SLCN to GPs and clinical commissioning groups. In London, for example, only 9% of referrals to speech and language therapists go through GPs.<br /><br />And Milton’s reference to GPs working with paediatricians and nurses on this issue shows a significant gap in knowledge about the realities of supporting children with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). While community paediatricians have a valuable role in supporting children whose communication needs are part of more complex impairments <strong>most</strong> children with SLCN do not see (or need to see) a paediatrician or nurse. Their needs are met through speech and language therapists and appropriate targeted support from teachers and staff within early years and schools.<br /><br />It could just be of course that this is the response from an uninterested Department of Health press officer. But sadly I suspect it is part of a wider malaise affecting the Department when it comes to children. I received an email yesterday inviting me to the launch of an ‘exciting’ new initiative in children’s health and well being to be unveiled by the Secretary of State (at least he hopes to be there) in Liverpool next week. I think most of us would settle less for exciting and more on functional. And the Trust are no nay sayers – we work hard to inform and to respond to government policy trying to ensure that it works in practice. But even we are stretched in understanding where Health places the needs of children who struggle to communicate.<br /><br />This is at odds with the efforts of their government colleagues within Department for Education who have made such strides in work to identify and support children with SLCN. Maybe it is time for the entire responsibility (and budget) for this work to move across? It is this significant disparity in both understanding and in approach between these health and education nationally and locally that is of such grave ongoing concern with so much of Jean’s report highlighting the risks of these children falling between the gaps at a local level between the NHS and local authorities/schools.<br /><br />The government’s communication champion has written a report with so many of the answers – just about time somebody read it!<br /><br /><em>From the report<br /><br />38. I have met no one outside government who believe that commissioning by Clinical Commissioning Groups led by GPs will change this fundamental problem. All say it will make it<br />worse. I have found that in London, for example, only 9% of referrals for speech and language<br />therapy go though GPs. Most come from schools and health visitors. Most disabled children are dealt with by community paediatricians not GPs. Most referrals to CAMHs services do not go through GPs. Children requiring community health services are largely invisible to GPs, so it seems unlikely they will be a commissioning priority. </em><br /><em><br />39. I would like to see the Health and Social Care Bill recognise this, and explicitly require Clinical Commissioning Groups to delegate the commissioning of these services to an expert joint local authority and NHS children’s commissioning team, managing pooled budgets. </em>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7209601303338127319.post-61933988317608518142012-01-13T10:28:00.000+00:002012-01-13T10:34:42.685+00:00Every year a year of communication? Anita Kerwin-Nye, Director<p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">As we move on from the National Year of Communication The Communication Trust team are working hard to make sure that legacy of <em>Hello</em> is a strong one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While evaluation is starting in earnest on the impact of <em>Hello</em> it is clear that the work of the wonderful local champions, the efforts of the staff team, input from our funders and supporters and work across the Trust’s voluntary members have all combined in creating a wonderful focus on the importance of speech, language and communication skills for all children.</span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Shine A Light Awards, <em>Hello</em> Heroes event and meetings between local co-ordinators and the Minister highlighted the inspiring work that has happened on the ground and the year was topped off by a CBE for Jean Gross as our wonderful Communication Champion. The <span style="color:#c00000;"><span style="color:#000000;"><a href="http://www.hello.org.uk/resources/resources/hello-campaign-resources/hello-journey.aspx"><em>Hello</em> Journey</a></span></span> showcases some of the year’s best bits!</span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">The Year itself, the Champion, the progress we have seen in OFSTED, in early years and with the national curriculum were all proposals made 5 years ago by the Trust and as we look back at our original strategy we can be rightly proud – particularly of the way we have pulled together such an amazing cohort of talent and enthusiasm from the local to the national, across health, early years and education, across professionals, parents, children, young people and families and from the public, private and voluntary sector. Because, to quote Janet Cooper from Stoke Speaks Out , “communication is everybody’s business” and it is the Trust’s job to make sure everybody knows it!</span><br /><br /></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">But there is more to do. </span><br /><br /></p><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">As the Trust develops our next five year strategy we are ever mindful of the risks posed by cuts to services and system restructuring. We know that while policy may have moved forward, commissioning practice and the prioritisation of children’s speech, language and communication still need much work.</span></p><br /><br /><p style="MARGIN: 0cm 0cm 10pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:arial;">With education policy and school structures rapidly changing, The Communication Trust will be launching a schools campaign in 2012 to ensure that all schools are encouraged and supported to ensure that all children can reach their full potential. The work of the <em>Hello</em> heroes is not over yet and 2012 (and 2013, 14, 15 .....) will be another year of communication. And, to quote Mr Milliband, – bring it on!</span></p>TCT Teamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09004686700501174411noreply@blogger.com0