Speech, language and communication needs are often referred to as a ‘hidden disability’, which is why we start each young person’s journey through college with a detailed assessment of their strengths and needs in speech, language and communication. This enables parents, carers and the young person to truly understand their needs.

Every student at St Catherine’s benefits from a range of speech and language therapies, delivered by trained specialists. 

Therapy sessions at college focus on functional skills and strategies for managing lifelong language challenges. Meaning that, in contrast to younger students in school, sessions are more likely to take place within the local community or by completing functional tasks, such as phone calls and appointments. This is to ensure young people, when they leave St Catherine’s, are able to operate as independently as possible. 

Sessions can be:

• one-to-one, in pairs or small groups
• class-based
• functional within the local town setting
• sessions involving residential houses and families
• or specialist support, such as high-tech augmentative and alternative communication devices, signed supported English and symbolised resources

Therapies are delivered within the framework of each student's tailored plan. 

An annual review report is prepared by the student’s speech and language therapist. Students also complete a full re-assessment when they move on from the College, in order to help inform their next decisions.