We recognise that supporting children’s communication skills from birth onwards can help to transform their life chances, giving them the best chance of becoming successful adults who can take their place in the community.

Communication is a life skill and early identification and intervention is essential. A skilled and supported workforce and joint working are critical to ensuring best practice. The communication team based at Newman are experienced at delivering alternative and argumentative means of communication, e.g. signing and the use of communication aids, where there are barriers to using spoken language. A fully qualified Speech Therapist working alongside the AAC lead and Communications Manager ensures that any young person that has SLCN receives help, advice and interventions to meet their communication needs.