Another SALT query!

[Dingle]

Folowing on from Anniebear's thread ( didn't want to hijack!)I am right in the middle of trying to get SALT (amongst other things) organised on Amelia's statement. Have various changes that are going to be put forward to the LEA on Amelia's Amended Proposed Statement today.

Her private SALT report recommended she has an assessment & programmed devised at least half-termly. It also goes on to say in addition to this she must have direct therapy intervention delivered in weekly individual sessions for no less than 45minutes. PLUS a weekly group session.
All carried out by a Registered SALT with knowledge & experience of the specific profile of skills and needs associated with Down Syndrome.

Please help- what do I ASK for...we are just at the stage where they have upped her hours on her statement to 20 a week (+ 6-10 recommended !!!! on School Action +.) Not happy about the way the hours are broken down and would of course prefer a lump sum on the statement, but our LEA says it's not the way they work!

She is in MS Reception with no real support in class at all ans sees a NHS SALT in school 3 times a year. Next year I am not sure what would be offered routinely as her SALT would be provided by the Community rather than the CDC. In addition to this we have been paying privately for a couple of DS specialist assessments/session a year but can't really afford to increase this.

Comments would really be appreciated!

sorry i can't help but hope the bump will find someone that can xx

If you want my honest opinion, I am questioning the private SLT's opinion.

Firstly, I don't think you'll get 45 mins per week of individual SLT from the NHS/Education. It's not just a funding issue, it's a staffing issue.

Secondly, what specifically does the private SLT suggest should be covered in that 45 minutes per week?

Is she suggesting she does the work herself or just making sweeping statements for somebody else to actually do the work?

I'm not sure this is the most appropriate thing for your daughter. She possibly needs a much more integrated approach where the SLT meets with her teacher very regularly and devises a watertight approach for the school to follow. It's all about the quality of the teaching staff/assistants and the consistency of the SLT input rather than just individual SLT for 45 mins per week.

I see a lot of similar statements being made by private SLTs and it worries me.