Stockton-on-Tees Local Area SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy Delivery Plan - November 2025 to December 2026
1.2 Developing our needs-led approach across the system, improve waiting times for access to specialist assessment and support and speech and language
How will we do this?
| Action | Timescale |
|---|---|
| Mobilisation of the Tees Valley Speech and Language Therapy Service. | April 2026 |
| Embed primary and secondary universal and targeted programmes as part of Stockton-on-Tees Talks Programme (Primary Talk Boost, Year 7 talk boost, Talk to Work, primary and secondary continuing professional development). | September 2026 |
| Refresh joint pathway for speech and language support across early years, primary and secondary settings, exploring opportunities as part of the Tees Valley wide specialist service model. | September 2026 |
Leads
Leads include:
- North East, North Cumbria Integrated Care Board
- Children's Strategy and Commissioning
How will we know we are making a difference?
- all elements of the specification embedded
- number of children and young people reducing the gap in speech and language skills before and after intervention
- reduced waiting times for specialist services and assessments to within 126 days (18 weeks)
Working in partnership
Partners involved include:
- Stockton-on-Tees Talks Working Group (early years, primary settings, 0 to 19 services, Family Hubs, Speech and Language UK)
- Tees Wide Specialist Service
- Children, young people, parents and carers receiving services
