ComIT works in partnership with schools and educational settings to meet the additional needs of children and young people (CYP) with a primary need of Speech, Language and Communication, when that need is impacting on the child or young person’s learning and access to the curriculum.
ComIT provides training, advice, guidance and support to schools and settings in South-East Wales (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen).
The team consists of a Head of Service, Advisory Teachers, Specialist Teaching Assistants and Speech and Language Therapists.
ComIT offers a programme of Professional Learning including accredited training for educational practitioners and settings and have developed high-quality guidance and support materials for use at a universal level (provision for all CYP).
The Head of Service works with Lead Professionals in each local authority to identify schools and pupils for targeted advice, support and intervention.
ComIT staff may work individually or with groups of children and young people using detailed SLCN identification tools and evidence-based support and monitoring processes.
A member of staff in the setting (usually the ALNCo) links with ComIT to plan this support and families receive resources and are kept informed of their child’s progress.
ComIT also work in partnership with ABUHB Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) service and may provide school-based sessions for CYP, if school is felt to be the most appropriate setting for specific speech and language therapy targets to be supported.
ComIT Specialist Teaching Assistants liaise with families and the CYP’s speech and language therapist throughout the programme of support.
How is a request for support made?
Requests to work with children come to ComIT through the school ALNCo.