Speech and Language Hub

It is funded by the Local Authority.
It is inclusive and fully integrated into school life.
Provides places for qualifying children from 4 to 11 years
Offers advice to local schools within Peterborough's Local Authority in how best to support children with Communication and Interaction (C & I) needs. How we support local schools

Who is it for? (Admissions criteria)

Pupils who typically:

Are primary school age and have a primary need of SLCN (e.g., receptive/expressive language disorder, developmental language disorder, speech sound disorder, social communication needs).
Have an EHCP with a primary need of SLCN or are undergoing statutory assessment with evidence of significant SLCN.
Will benefit from structured support and daily practice in a communication-friendly environment.

How places are agreed:

Applications are considered by the Local Authority SEND Panel, based on available places and whether the child meets the admissions criteria.
Admission is therefore dependent on:
- The number of places available
- Fulfilment of admissions criteria (updated criteria will be published on this page once available)
Parents, teachers, SENCOs and other professionals with an interest in supporting children with communication and language needs are very welcome to visit the Hub.

Integrated therapy model

SaLT assessment and targets set by qualified Speech & Language Therapists.
Direct SaLT input (typically weekly/fortnightly) with daily practice delivered by trained staff.
Termly reviews and outcomes shared with families; Annual Reviews for pupils with EHCPs.

Teaching and classroom support

Small-group and 1:1 support within the Hub and, where appropriate, in the mainstream classroom to generalise skills.
Individual learning programmes linked to curriculum access (vocabulary, comprehension, phonology, social communication).
Communication-friendly classrooms (ELKLAN-informed), visual timetables and task boards, clear routines, supported interactions.

Evidence-informed interventions (as appropriate to need)

Makaton and AAC (including PECS®) where suitable.
Attention Autism, Colourful Semantics, vocabulary/word-learning programmes, social communication groups.
Speech sound therapy programmes.

Staffing and expertise

Hub Managers, Hub Teacher, SENCOs, and a team of experienced Teaching Assistants with ongoing CPD in SLCN.
Close partnership with external agencies: SaLT, Occupational Therapy (sensory regulation and functional skills), Educational Psychology and other services as needed.

Sensory regulation & wellbeing

Sensory screening and sensory integration-informed strategies to support regulation and attention.
Calm spaces, movement breaks and personalised regulation plans.

Working with families

Regular progress updates.
Coming soon - Parent workshops (supporting communication at home, visuals, routines).
Shared targets so families know exactly how to help.

Resources

A wide range of SLCN resources: vocabulary, speech sound materials, visual supports).

Mrs Jan Tate, Hub Manager

Mrs Cheryl Hilton, Deputy Headteacher

Tel: 01733 562873

Email: jantate@southfields.peterborough.sch.uk or cherylhilton@southfields.peterborough.sch.uk

Please see below for additional information: