Chester Speech and Language Centre

The Speech and Language Centre is part of Ark Little Ridge Primary Academy and provides additional speech and language therapy and specialist teaching for primary aged pupils (KS1 and KS2) with an Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) naming speech and language as the primary need. 

We have up to 11 full-time places which are allocated by the East Sussex County Council’s SEN Panel.  

We share the same aims for all pupils at Ark Little Ridge Academy, including those with a place in the Speech and Language Centre.  Our lead teacher adapts and oversees the delivery of the school curriculum across all subjects, integrating speech and language therapy targets and additional opportunities to develop spoken language and comprehension skills into the lessons.  This is supported by the SENCo and link NHS speech and language therapist and progress is regularly reviewed with parents.  Speech and language therapy targets are integrated into the teaching and additional 1:1 / small group programmes are devised by the therapy team and delivered by trained teaching assistants. 

Whilst some pupils may receive the majority of their teaching in small groups within the centre, they can access specific lessons with their mainstream classes, with support, based on individual needs.  The aim is for this to increase over time so that pupils can generalise their skills and knowledge and, where possible, return to mainstream education.  

Visits and enquiries are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school to arrange a visit. Please note that the Centre is not able to offer placements, this is organised by East Sussex County Council.