Access workstream

The access workstream has been established as a key priority area of focus. This workstream prioritises establishing efficient pathways for families to access support services, ensuring consistency and equity across different areas. It aims to streamline administrative processes and provide clear communication about Speech and Language Therapy services and support options.

Progress to date:

Design principles have been agreed in terms of what the pathways must deliver.
Draft pathways completed for pre-school, primary, secondary school and home education CYP.
We have started conversations around what the next steps are for finalising the pathways and communicating the updates internally/externally.
We have discussed the need to have these embedded into the right documentation and SOP's.

Update 18th April 2024:

Access to the service

A key change in our current approach to delivery involved how children and young people (CYP) accessed our services. Previously, access pathways varied across our three localities, so it was essential to standardise these pathways to fit our new care model.

Through a comprehensive review, we identified what was working well, and where improvements were needed, enabling us to reshape our pathways accordingly.

Our main objective was to ensure:

Clear and timely pathways, providing families with the right access at the right time.
Consistent, inclusive and equitable pathways across all localities
Streamlined and efficient administrative processes
Clear communication to enhance understanding of SaLT services and access to support.

Learning from others

We identified successful practices and applied them across all areas. One key insight came from a locality that had introduced Early Advice Sessions (EAS) and a Link Therapist model. This approach enabled them to manage waiting lists with a two-week turnaround from the initial request for involvement.

Other localities adopted these strategies, and we restructured our pathways to incorporate these changes. The results have been immediate, significantly reducing waiting lists in their respective localities.

Early advice sessions

Early advice sessions play a crucial role in supporting children and young people who require Speech & Language Therapy (SaLT) services. These sessions provide initial guidance, identify potential needs, and facilitate timely interventions, which are essential for effective treatment and improved outcomes.

Key aspects are:

Timely access: An EAS will be planned once a request for involvement form has been sent into the service. This can be sent by a parent or carer, with the support of a health professional if required.

Easy access: EAS will be scheduled via a 15-30 minute virtual appointment. Face-to-face appointments can be made should there be a need, such as language barriers.

Link therapist model

The link Therapist model involves Speech & Language Therapists (SaLTs) who are specifically aligned to schools to provide targeted support. These therapists work closely with school professionals to enhance their understanding and skills in managing Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) among children and young people (CYP).

Key aspects of the model include:

Support for school staff: Link Therapists collaborate with teachers and other school staff, offering guidance, resources, and expertise to help them efficiently support students with SLCN in the classroom.

Training and development: They also identify and deliver any necessary training to school staff, equipping them with the knowledge and strategies to better support students with communication challenges.

Direct support to CYP: In addition to working with school staff, Link Therapists provide direct support to students with SLCN, ensuring that their specific needs are met through tailored interventions and support plans.

Goals:

Our goal for this workstream has been to create more efficient pathways for families, ensuring consistency and equity across all localities. We’re excited to announce that we’ve successfully completed the objectives we set out for this workstream. While some inconsistencies remain due to funding arrangements, we are in a very positive place and ready to move forward with confidence. Exciting times are ahead!

All SaLT services now offer Early Advice Sessions, and we are thrilled to share that the Link Therapist Model will soon be available in every area. We recognise that adapting to these changes may be challenging, but this is a key step forward in providing better and more consistent access to support for children and young people.

Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment as we move into this new phase!