Early Years settings
To request support from the Communication and Interaction Team support into an Early Years Setting by using the Early Years request for access form
Online early years Request for Access form and complete the parental consent form.
This will continue, whilst we review Early Years service models in partnership with Early Years consultants, Nursery Plus and the early Years Complex Needs teams.
Primary and Secondary settings
To request support from the Communication and Interaction Team for school aged children (reception onwards) continues via the newly established Communication and Interaction advisory clinic model, forming part of a new triage process to requests for support.
Setting staff (SENCo) should now (from Dec 2023) use the new RfA (Request for Access) form.
Primary and Secondary: request for access
This is used for access to all SEND support teams. This will then lead to a booking into a virtual Communication and Interaction advisory clinic appointment (hosted via Microsoft TEAMs, video enabled) to discuss a specific child where Communication and Interaction (Autism and or Speech Language and Communication Needs) has been identified as the Primary Need requiring advice and guidance.
You will be asked to submit:
- Parent or carer consent (essential to proceed with advisory engagement)
- School based plan
- Graduated response tool – Communication and Interaction assessment indicator section
- Desired outcomes being sought from this request
The above will both inform, guide and support advisory advice offered.
Virtual clinics are held weekly throughout the term in 4 localities for school based staff only.
Advisory clinic attendance only open to setting staff (SENCo, teacher and learning support staff) and will support attendance, engagement and progress for CYP.
Please be mindful that there remains a limited availability to these Communication and Interaction advisory clinics for our County wide settings to access. Where you might hold larger cohorts of Communication and Interaction CYP with identified needs, please do not block book clinic appointments. But instead discuss priorities with your locality Communication and Interaction advisory teacher so access to Communication and Interaction clinics remains for everyone.
One minute guides
A number of our One minute guides cover Language and Communication (Autism) topics as well as information on transition, tics, online safety, autism in girls and lots of helpful advice, guidance and support. Check out our one minute guide: Top Tips for supporting children and young people with Autism.