Project Lead: Marie Newton (Speech and Language Therapist)

Clinical Lead: Vacant

Specialist Speech and Language Teacher: Sarah Duffy

Administrator: Claire Beddow

Speech and Language Assistants:

• Laura Morgan

• Sarah Evans

• Helen Moule

• Gayle Walker

• Claire Taylor

• Tracy Johnson

• Katie Wray

• Simone Rayner

Hartlepool is one of the sites chosen to take part in the ELSEC programme. Our focus is on early years, and we are working with 13 settings who are taking part locally.

We are working with settings to support the identification of children who have Speech, Language and Communication (SLC) difficulties and support the delivery of interventions in schools for these children. Our role is also to deliver training and coaching to support staff to build on their knowledge and skills of SLC. We are also helping schools to develop and maintain Communication Friendly environments so that all children have access to language rich interactions and environments. Some of the children who receive universal and targeted support for their SLC may need extra specialist support and our team will work closely with parents/carers, education staff and the NHS Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) team to plan and deliver the support the child needs.

We are also planning support for parents and carers to ensure a rounded and supportive package for the children.

The impact of the interventions and support will be measured and we are planning and delivering our support so that everything we do is embedded and sustainable.

• Rift House Primary School

• Brougham Primary School

• West View Primary School

• Golden Flatts Primary School

• Lynnfield Primary School

• Jesmond Gardens Primary School

• Stranton Primary School

• Eskdale Primary School

• Kingsley Primary School

• St Cuthbert's Primary School

• Grange Primary School

• St Helen's Primary School

• St Aidan's

• Little Rays of Sunshine

www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people

Universally Speaking- The ages and stages of children’s communication development From birth to 5 years

https://www.roundhayschool.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/tct_univspeak_0-5_update.pdf

If you would like to discuss your child's talking and understanding you can contact the SENCO in your child's school and they will let us know.

Please contact us if you would like to share ideas of what sort of support from our team you would find useful.

nth-tr.elsec-hartlepool@nhs.net

Children need time to learn a new language if they have mainly heard your home language until they started nursery/school. If you are concerned about your child's home language development talk to their keyworker or teacher to discuss your concerns. Your child may need an assessment of his language skills.

ELSEC are running different groups in schools.

One of these groups is a Narrative group. This is to help children to develop their understanding and their talking.  

In the groups children practice:  

• Understanding and using vocabulary   

• Sequencing and organising ideas   

• Putting sentences together more clearly   

• Listening, turn‑taking and social communication 

Working in a group allows children to learn from adult modelling and from each other, using visuals and repeated practice to build confidence and independence. 

Your school will let you know if your child has been considered for a group.

If you are happy for your child to be included in the group, you do not need to do anything. We will share a summary with all parents/carers at the end of the group sessions.  

If you do not want your child to take part you can opt out. Please speak to your child’s teacher. 

If you would like more information about the group you can email: nth-tr.elsec-hartlepool@nhs.net and we can arrange a chat.