Big Boost for Speech and Language Support in Wirral Schools
Children and young people in Wirral who need help with speech, language and communication are set to benefit from a major improvement in support.
At the July Schools Forum meeting, the Local Area SEND Partnership Board shared positive news about plans to tackle one of the biggest areas of special educational need in the borough. Many pupils have struggled to get the speech and language therapy (SLT) they are entitled to under Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs), and schools have faced growing challenges in accessing timely services.
Chair of Children, Young People and Education Committee, Councillor Stephen Bennett - speaking on behalf of the Local Area SEND Partnership Board (LASPB), said:
This is a welcome development for Wirral schools and families. While we recognise there is still some way to go, the Partnership Board is pleased to support a package that strengthens both statutory provision and early intervention. It reflects our shared commitment to improving outcomes for children with speech, language and communication needs.
To change this, a new package of support has been agreed. The aim is to improve outcomes for children, reduce reliance on private services, and create a more inclusive system across all schools.
What’s new?
- More therapists recruited to deliver EHCP support.
- Smaller caseloads for better quality and consistency.
- Communication Clinics for tailored advice and planning.
- In-school coaching to embed good communication strategies.
- Daily call-back service for emerging needs.
- Ongoing training and workshops for school staff.
- Audits to make classrooms more communication-friendly.
- Online resources for staff and families.
This strengthened offer combines statutory provision with early intervention, helping schools support pupils sooner and more effectively.
