1. Introduction Tracey Beardmore-Evans Special Education Service
Role: - to collate relevant information on speech, language and communication for the National Year of Communication and develop a website.

2. Hello to the National Year of Communication - 2011
2011 is the National Year of Communication. The campaign will work to provide parents, carers and professionals with information on children’s communication and signpost sources of help and support

3. The website…
Almost ready to go live! (launch likely to be early April)
Will be accessed from the main Leicester City Council’s website
Is called Let’s Get Talking
Gives information about and LCC associated partners’ services for C & Y P with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) and their families
Signposts to other useful websites
Is split into 3 sections, C & Y P, parents and carers and professionals/specialist

4. Contains information from: -
SNTS (EYST, LAST and the Let’s Talk, Visual & Hearing Impairment Teams)
Talk Matters!
LCCHS – Speech and Language Therapy Service
Leicester Libraries
Parent Partnership Scheme
De Montfort University

5. Website has links to: - The Access Point (TAP)
National Autistic Society
Whatever it Takes (WIT)
COLGA
Afasic England
The Dyslexia SpLD Trust

6. Links (continued) SMIRA Talking Point The Communication Trust
Hello (The National Year of Communication campaign website)

7. C & Y P section contains: -
Importance of communication skills.
How to improve communication skills
Things that can help
Games and resources

8. Parents/carers section contains: -
2 sub-headings (parents and carers of C & Y P with SLCN)
Useful basic information on how to how parents/carers can help to make the best life choices
Signposting of where to go to access extra support/training for parents
Strategies that can be used within the home to support SLCN

9. Parents/carers section (continued)
Basic information on speech, language and communication
A link to a tool that can be used to check typical development
Details of activities taking place to support communication skills from toddlers to older young people

10. Professionals/specialist section
Provides basic advice, resources and further signposting
3 sub-headings : -
How to support C & Y P with ASD
How to support C & Y P with SLCN
Further training

11. Supporting C & Y P with ASD
Details of further training that can be accessed
Information on how to support transition/ASD friendly schools

12. Support C & Y P with SLCN Impact of SLCN on C & Y P Training available
How to tell if a C or Y P may have communication difficulties
Strategies to help support C & Y P with SLCN
Useful information for ensuring that C & Y P’s communication needs are met in the classroom

13. Specialist
Outlines specific areas of professional interest at De Montfort University
Intends to create networking opportunities

14. For more information Please contact: - Tracey Beardmore-Evans