Joint working at its best

On 13th May 2021 representatives from the Improving Access to Communication Services and Support Programme (IACSS) presented at a Local Government Association (LGA) Webinar to share an overview of how commissioners, service providers and parent/carers are working together to develop an integrated local strategy for Speech, Language and Communication and ensuring that they are planning for continuous improvement.

The webinar was led by ICAN, a leading national charity for speech, language and communication needs. ICAN asked representatives from IACSS programme to demonstrate the work that has been taking place, and continues to take place, as it has been recognised as a shining example of good practice; driven by national policy drivers but underpinned by local needs, thinking and planning with an emphasis on implementing a joint response.

Gail (Health Visitor Professional Lead for DCC) explains:

This was a fantastic opportunity to share how we are working in such an amazingly integrated manner to improve our offer and opportunities for children and young people aged 0-25 years with speech, language and communication needs. It was also wonderful to be able to showcase our 0-5 years work across Early Years, Speech and Language Therapy, Public Health Nursing, Midwives and Children Centres, alongside the wider strategic work across all age phases. It was a huge privilege to be the key speakers with LGA and felt  when reflecting on our experience since 2017, that the IACSS programme has achieved so much. A great shout out for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, but more importantly a huge shout out for the possibilities that happen when like minded visions across multiple agencies, including parents/carers, come together with the aim of doing  great things to impact on the outcomes of children and young people in true system wide thinking!

This work continues to be a major priority across all 3 authorities in Devon as it is a fantastic opportunity to share good practice and work collaboratively to improve practice and provision for children and young people with SLCN.