Advanced Practice in Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Advanced Practice in Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Key details
- Start date(s): September 2025
- Study Mode: Part-time (1 year)
- Location: Main Campus (Horsforth)
- School: Children, Young People and Families
Why study with us
- Personalise your continued professional development in education via this 60-credit award while working full-time and gain credit for work-based practice.
- Develop highly desirable skills to develop your current work-based provision.
- Become highly employable in the education sector due to having highly sought-after skills, knowledge and understanding at the forefront of our sector linked to current sector needs.
Course modules
Year 1
- Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Development in Children and Young People (Core)
- This module will cover typical speech, language and communication development in addition to neurodivergent developmental presentations.
- You'll develop a range of skills which will support your developing practice in understanding the differences in the speech, language and communication that may present in children and young people, as well as the impact of these on the children, young people, their families and their long-term life outcomes.
- Case study evidence where presenting challenges in behaviour and dysregulation are linked to unidentified speech, language, and communication needs will be examined and you'll be introduced to relevant policies and legislation and examine how speech, language, and communication needs fit within these frameworks.
- Identification and Assessment of Speech, Language and Communication Needs within Educational Settings (Core)
- You'll develop your knowledge and understanding of identification and assessment of a range of speech, language and communication differences and needs in children from early years to further education.
- The knowledge and understanding of the impact that these speech, language, and communication differences have on children and young people’s social, emotional and educational outcomes will also be developed.
- A range of screening and informal assessment approaches will be introduced which is age appropriate.
- You'll be able to identify when to make a referral onto specialist services (i.e., Speech and Language Therapy, Specialist Teachers) and how to complete a good quality referral.
- Your skills and capabilities in communicating identified needs and impacts on the children and young people’s long-term outcomes, with a range of stakeholders in a professional capacity in their setting with increase.
- Developing Provision for Speech, Language and Communication Needs for Children and Young People (Core)
- You'll be enabled to develop your knowledge and understanding of a range of strategies and environmental adaptations to support speech, language and communication differences and needs within educational settings.
- This will include various whole school, setting whole or class, small group and individualised speech, language, and communication support approaches from early years onwards.
- Reflective practice skills will be developed in implementing, reviewing and adapting support provisions and provision maps, as appropriate, based on research findings and evidence-based practice.
Timetable
This is the module timetable for September 2025 entry, please be aware that this may be subject to change.
Module 1 - Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Development in Children and Young People
Date | Session | Delivery | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 27th September 2025 | Module 1 introduction | On campus | 9:00am - 4:00pm |
Thursday 9 October 2025 | Teaching session 1 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 23 October 2025 | Teaching session 2 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 13 November 2025 | Teaching session 3 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 27 November 2025 | Group tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
December 2025 | Individual tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 15 January 2026 | Study Support | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Module 1 assignment submission date: Thursday 26 February 2026 |
Module 2 - Identification and Assessment of Speech, Language and Communication Needs within Educational Settings
Date | Session | Delivery | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 7 March 2026 | Module 2 introduction | On campus | 9:00am - 5:00pm |
Thursday 12 March 2026 | Teaching session 1 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 19 March 2026 | Teaching session 2 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 26 March 2026 | Teaching session 3 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 23 April 2026 | Group tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
May 2026 | Individual tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 21 May 2026 | Study support session | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Module 2 assignment submission date: Thursday 4 June 2026 |
Module 3 - Developing Provision for Speech, Language and Communication Needs for Children and Young People
Date | Session | Delivery | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 6 June 2026 | Module 3 introduction | On campus | 9:00am - 5:00pm |
Thursday 11 June 2026 | Teaching session 1 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 18 June 2026 | Teaching session 2 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 25 June 2026 | Teaching session 3 | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 2 July 2026 | Group tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
July 2026 | Individual tutorial | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Thursday 16 July 2026 | Study support session | Online | 4:00pm - 7:00pm |
Module 3 assignment submission date: Thursday 3 September 2026 |
Learning and teaching
- Assessment methods: Our strategy
- The focus of this course is to develop your practice in SLCN. You will complete one portfolio per module. The tasks within these modules will be made up of a variety of tasks linked to work in your setting with children, young people, families and colleagues.
- Learning and teaching: At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.
Entry requirements
- An Honours degree (minimum 2.2)
- Alternatively, we will consider applicants who have equivalent work-based experience/relevant CPD portfolio. This will include:
- A detailed reference from your employer giving information about your role in a setting.
- A detailed CV showing expertise in education and/or SEND.
- A letter of support from yourself explaining how your expertise would allow you to access the course.
- Workplace support: You will need a letter of support from your workplace to agree to support the work in the work-based portfolios. An interview, if necessary, may take place.
Fees and finance
- Funding: For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.
How to apply
- Application process: This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.
- Application deadline: There is no official closing date for applications, but the course will be closed when it is full. We therefore encourage you to make your application as early as possible.
- Application requirements: Please ensure you complete the application form in full and supply all the required supporting documentation when you make your initial application. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- What happens next?: Our admissions team will acknowledge receipt of your application by email. Where applications are submitted but references are still in progress, admissions will wait for the reference(s) to be received and then will process it, and forward to the relevant Programme Leader within five days of receipt of the reference(s).
- Application decision: The Programme Leader will make a decision based on your application. You may be asked to provide a reference to demonstrate your academic and non-academic experiences, or you may be invited to attend an interview. If you are successful and made an offer, the conditions will be outlined in your offer letter.
- Accepting an offer: You should accept or decline your offer by emailing admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
- Providing supporting documentation: If you accept, you'll need to prove you satisfy the conditions outlined in your offer letter.
- Student information point: You may be asked to present the relevant supporting documentation in person to the student information point on campus - if originals are not needed, you’ll be contacted and given details of how to provide the supporting documentation.
Program Outline
Extracted Information from the Leeds Trinity University Advanced Practice in Speech, Language and Communication Needs Program Context:
Degree Overview:
- Program Design: Enables professionals to gain credit for work-based learning and develop advanced practice in speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) while working full-time.
- Target Audience: Professionals in education and NHS speech language assistants working in community settings.
- Key Objectives: Transform practitioners' ability to respond to SLCN in settings, develop individual and whole-setting provisions, become high-impact leaders in SLCN areas, meet ongoing educational challenges, and enhance employability in the sector.
- Focus: Developing early interventions and leadership skills in SLCN.
- Uniqueness: Combines working in settings with academic credit, addresses sector needs and current evidence-based practices, aligns with changing demands and challenges in education.
Outline:
- Duration: 1 year (part-time).
- Modules (3):
- Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Development in Children and Young People: covers typical and neurodivergent development, impact on social, emotional, and educational outcomes, policy frameworks, identification and assessment approaches.
- Identification and Assessment of Speech, Language and Communication Needs within Educational Settings: focuses on identification and assessment of various SLCN across age groups, impact on outcomes, screening and informal assessment, referral processes, communication with stakeholders.
- Developing Provision for Speech, Language and Communication Needs for Children and Young People: explores various strategies and environmental adaptations for supporting SLCN across different settings and levels, focusing on whole-setting, group, and individual approaches, developing and adapting provision maps, reflective practice.
- Assessment: portfolio-based for each module, assignments reflecting work-based practice, individual tutorials and feedback, opportunities to demonstrate skills and knowledge.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: blended learning approach combining online classes with on-campus sessions and individual tutorials.
- Faculty: Experienced academics with expertise in speech, language, and communication development, assessment, and intervention.
- Uniqueness: Individualized support through tutorials, emphasis on reflective practice and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.
Assessment:
- Focus: Demonstrating knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in working with SLCN in educational settings.
- Methods: Portfolios for each module, incorporating assignments reflecting work-based practice, evidence-based approaches, critical analysis, reflection, communication skills.
- Assessment Criteria: Aligned with module learning outcomes, focusing on accurate identification, assessment, and intervention for SLCN, effective strategies and provision development, reflective practice, communication and collaboration skills.
- Feedback: Individualized feedback on assignments and portfolios, opportunities for improvement and development.
Careers:
- Enhanced Employability: High demand for practitioners trained in SLCN, leadership opportunities, increased impact on children's and young people's outcomes.
- Career Paths: SENCo, SEN lead, aspirant SENCo, early years lead, key stage leads in primary schools, school leadership, Higher Level Teaching Assistants, early years coordinators, teachers in SEND in nurseries and schools.
- Aspirant Options: Speech and language therapist, therapy assistant, higher education study in SLP.
Other:
- Partnership: Developed in collaboration with Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust Children's Speech and Language Therapy Service.
- Value: Combines academic study with work-based learning, allowing professionals to gain credit for their existing experience.
- Personalization: Learners can adapt the program to their specific context and development needs.
- Study Location: Main Campus (Horsforth) with on-campus sessions and online classes.
Leeds Trinity University
Overview:
Leeds Trinity University is a Catholic university located in Horsforth, Leeds, United Kingdom. It offers a transformational educational experience, aiming to create a fairer and more equitable society by fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Services Offered:
Study:
Undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including apprenticeships, CPD and short courses, and research degrees.Careers + Placements:
Professional work placements, study, work, and volunteer abroad opportunities, business development support, and a mentoring scheme.Student Life:
Student life at LTU includes sports and activities, a Students Union, religious practice and expression, and opportunities to connect with students through online chat.Student Support and Wellbeing:
Services include support for students with disabilities, mental health and wellbeing resources, and student health services.Accommodation:
A range of accommodation options are available to students, providing a safe and supportive living environment.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Leeds Trinity University offers a vibrant campus experience with a focus on student wellbeing and inclusivity. Students can participate in a variety of sports and activities, engage with the Students Union, and access support services for their academic and personal needs. The university also provides accommodation options for students to live independently in a safe and supportive environment.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Transformational Educational Experience:
LTU aims to provide a holistic education that prepares students for success in their chosen fields and contributes to a fairer and more equitable society.Welcoming and Inclusive Environment:
The university strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, regardless of their background or beliefs.Strong Focus on Student Support:
LTU offers a wide range of support services to help students succeed academically and personally.Vibrant Campus Life:
Students can enjoy a variety of sports, activities, and social events on campus.Opportunities for Global Engagement:
LTU offers opportunities for students to study, work, and volunteer abroad.Academic Programs:
Leeds Trinity University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:
Education:
Primary Education, PGCEBusiness:
Business and Management, Marketing, FinanceArts and Humanities:
English Literature, History, Creative WritingSocial Sciences:
Criminology, Sociology, PsychologyHealth and Wellbeing:
Sport and Exercise Science, NutritionDigital and Screen Media:
Digital Media, Film ProductionOther:
Entry Requirements:
For this specific Advanced Practice in Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) program at Leeds Trinity University, the following entry requirements apply:
EU Home Students:
- Standard Entry: An Honours degree (minimum 2.2) in any subject.
- Alternative Entry: Applicants with equivalent work-based experience and a relevant CPD portfolio will be considered. This includes:
- A detailed employer reference highlighting your role in a relevant setting.
- A comprehensive CV showcasing your expertise in education, specifically within SEND.
- A personal statement demonstrating your abilities and how they align with the program's requirements.
Supporting Documents:
- A letter of support from your current workplace confirming their agreement to support your work-based portfolio.
- You may be invited for an interview to further assess your suitability for the program.
International Overseas Students (Outside the EU):
This program is
not available
for students who require a Student Route Visa.Additional Information:
- There is no official application deadline, but places are limited, so early application is recommended.
- Ensure your application form is complete and includes all required supporting documents. Incomplete applications may be rejected.
- Contact the Admissions Office at 0113 283 7123 or admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk for further guidance or inquiries. ## Language Proficiency Requirements: This information is not provided within the context.
Note:
It's important to consult the official program website or contact the Admissions Office directly for the most up-to-date information on entry requirements and application procedures. This information is subject to change.