The Newcastle
Developmental Language Disorder Team
Children must understand what
we are saying to them and be able
to talk clearly so that they can do
well in school and make friends

The Newcastle Developmental Language Disorder Team
supports children who have difficulties with understanding and talking which are affecting their progress in school.
The DLD Team includes a SEND Outreach Service Speech and
Language teacher, Speech and Language Therapists and Specialist Learning Support Assistants. We can also consult with Educational
Psychologists where necessary.
The DLD Team’s involvement may include:
Assessment by each profession represented on the Team
Monitoring and review of progress
Individual programmes of work delivered by one of the Team’s
Learning Support Assistants
Individual programmes delivered by school
Information, advice and support for schools and parents
Which children can the Team help?
Currently the Team works with pupils in Reception and Key Stages 1 and 2 who have speech and language difficulties identified as a primary need and who are already known to the NHS Speech and Language Therapy
Service or to the SEND OS Speech and Language teacher. We also work with Key Stage 3 pupils to support the decision-making process for an Education, Health and Care Plan and potential secondary Additionally
Resourced Provision (Speech and Language ARP).
How are children referred to the Team?
Children are referred by their school on the recommendation of a member of the NHS Speech and Language Therapy Service or the SEND OS Speech and Language teacher.
The referral is made following a review meeting in school at which
parents / carers are present to give their consent.
All the dates for meetings and assessments are sent out to school and parents before the start of the assessment phase.
Assessment
A key component of the DLD Team’s work is multi-disciplinary
assessment. The Team look at the referral documentation and decide whether or not the child might benefit from their involvement. If it is
considered that the child’s difficulties do meet the Team criteria, then their name goes on a waiting list.
Team assessment takes half a term and consists of the following steps:

Parents and school staff are invited to attend a Welcome Meeting in school where the Team’s involvement is explained and the child’s strengths and needs discussed
One teacher and one Speech and Language Therapist will assess the child in school. An Educational Psychologist may also be consulted if deemed appropriate.
A joint report is written
A Feedback Meeting is held at which the DLD Team findings are shared and the next steps explained
If appropriate, intensive intervention will be offered
Intervention
A programme of work is put together, tailored to the specific needs of the child. A Team LSA, or occasionally a Team therapist or teacher, will
implement this in school.
The programme will be revised frequently and the child’s progress
monitored by a Speech and Language Therapist.
Parents are encouraged to come into school and watch a session or two. School staff are also included in sessions to build knowledge and skills,
and so targets can be practised and generalised in school.
During and/or towards the end of the intervention, a review will be held to talk about future plans.
What happens next?
It is hoped that as a result of DLD Team involvement, most
children will remain successfully included in their mainstream school.
A very small number of children may require a longer and more intensive level of support. The DLD Team may recommend that these children are considered for an Education, Health and Care Plan needs assessment to describe their needs and future provision. This may involve consideration for a place at one of the city’s Additionally Resourced Provisions (ARPs) for Speech and Language.
The DLD Team members who will be working with your child will be :
Specialist Teacher: Tracy Hawdon
Speech and Language Therapist: Anna Money or Marcella Holland
You can contact the DLD Team here:
tracy.hawdon@newcastle.gov.uk
07929 792190