Early years settings
Early years settings can request support from the Communication and Interaction Team by using the early years request for access form:
and then:
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 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 use the new RfA (Request for Access) form.
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.
Secondary settings
The original consultation model which was also open to secondary settings has ceased following review. It has now replaced by a more specific and bespoke Communication and Interaction planning meeting model, which is felt better meets the needs of this sector phase. Locality Communication & Interaction advisory teachers will meet with secondary setting staff, on a termly basis in their setting.
The exception to this model is the North locality who are currently piloting a range of new ways of working. In this locality schools are offered a School Review Consultation (SRC), which is led by an education phycologist and supported by wider DCC SEND advisory teams.
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.