SISS - Communication and Learning Difficulties Team
The Communication and Learning Difficulties (CLD) Team provides support for children and young people across the range of the 'Communication and Interaction' and 'Cognition and Learning' categories (Special Educational Needs Code of Practice-DfES 2001).These include pupils with general learning difficulties, specific learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia and dyspraxia) and social communication difficulties (e.g. autism spectrum disorders) and speech and language difficulties.
The team consists of a Team Manager, two Assistant Team Managers (one is the Lead Professional for Speech and Language Difficulties and one is the Lead Professional for Early Years Foundation Stage ), three further Lead Professionals (for Autistic Spectrum Disorders, Communication Technology and Curriculum Access and Achievements), specialist advisory teachers and Inclusion Support Practitioners. The previously separate Early Years Team is now incorporated into the CLD Team as the Early Years Foundation Stage Strand. The CLD Team now supports children and young people from pre-school to the end of their school career.
The CLD Team works with children and young people, their parents and carers, schools and settings. Pre-school work can involve home visits and advice and support to maintained nurseries and settings. This is flexibly deployed according to criteria based on the individual needs of the child. Support for pupils in schools is through an annual time allocation to schools based on an agreed formula. Each school has a 'named' teacher on the CLD team who negotiates with them the package of work each school term. There is some additional targeted support available for children with the most complex needs on the Autistic Spectrum or with speech, language and communication difficulties from the CLD team.
The CLD Team also includes designated provision (Additionally Resourced Centres) for primary aged pupils with speech and language difficulties. The ARCs are based at Bishop Wilson Primary School and Hatchford Brook Primary School. Each Centre has qualified specialist teachers and Inclusion Support Practitioners with Speech and Language Therapist support. Referral for places at the Centres is through a joint Education and Health Placement Panel. Criteria for placement is available from the Specialist Inclusion Support Service.
Referral by schools to the CLD Team is through the Specialist Inclusion Support Service referral form. Schools and settings, Health or Social Care professionals and other professional agencies can make referrals for Early Years support from the CLD Team.
Contact Details
Angela Shaw, Team Manager
Keeper's Lodge
Chelmsley Road
Chelmsley Wood
B37 7RS
Telephone: 0121 770 6267
E-mail: anshaw@solihull.gov.uk