Application forms for classes in our school
What is a SSLD / Specific Speech and Language Impairment Class?
SSLD class is a class in a mainstream primary school, which caters for the educational and speech and language needs of children with specific speech and language disorder. Language classes are jointly run by the Departments of Skills and Department of Health & Children. The classes are staffed by a full-time primary teacher, and the children receive cycles of direct therapy and indirect support (through working with teacher and parents) from a part-time HSE Speech/Language Therapist.
There is a maximum of seven children in a language class in any one year. Language classes follow the regular primary school curriculum with the exception of Irish. Children attending a language class may integrate with their peers from mainstream classes for some subjects, during break times and for school activities such as concerts/ school tours.
What is Specific Speech and Language Impairment (SSLI)?
Specific Speech & Language Disorder occurs when a child experiences severe difficulty developing their communication skills (understanding and/or using spoken language) and does not improve with regular speech and language therapy. It is not caused by:
General learning difficulties
Hearing impairment
Emotional difficulties
Autistic spectrum disorder
Physical disability
Children with SSLD may also experience literacy difficulties i.e. problems learning to read, spell and write.
What are the criteria for consideration for language class?
A child must be 4years of age on/ before 1st September of enrollment year. A diagnosis of SSLD is necessary. To make this diagnosis the following are considered:
severe difficulties with some aspect of the child’s speech and/or language functioning that cause the child to find it challenging to communicate, to learn & to feel confident socially
evidence that the child has attended for therapy with poor progress reported.
Assessment by a Psychologist which states that the child’s non verbal/ performance IQ is within the average range.
Hearing tests, medical assessments and access to reports from all other professionals working with your child may also be necessary.
Your child’s preschool/ class teacher may be contacted to complete a report in relation to the child’s attention, communication and progress at preschool/ school.
How do children get a place in the language class?
Children are referred to Language Class by a Speech/Language Therapist and/or a Psychologist. Once a diagnosis of SSLD is established, your child will be discussed at an annual meeting known as the Language Class Admissions / Management Meeting which usually happens in March/April. Reports on your child will have been circulated to Admissions/Management Committee members. Committee members are as follows:
School Principal
Speech and Language Therapy Manager
Psychologist
Language Class Teacher
Language Class Speech/Language Therapist
Members of the Admissions/Management Committee allocate places available in the language class based on agreed criteria: These are examples of some of the criteria used:
Severity of the SSLD
Age and readiness of your child
The degree to which the disorder impacts on child’s academic performance and social skills
Suitability of language class placement for the child at that time.
How long do children stay in language class?
The typical cycle is 1 – 2 years with some exceptions. Your child’s placement in the Language Class is reviewed annually. Some children may attend the Language Class for one year while other children attend for a longer time. Once attending a language class, your child’s progress will be reassessed near the end of the school year and discussed by relevant professionals or discussed at the Admissions / Management Meeting. It will then be decided if your child should return to mainstream education or continue in the language class for a further year.
Parental Involvement:
Parents are encouraged to be involved with setting learning and speech/ language goals and in carrying out agreed approaches and homework while your child is attending the class. Your support is important to ensure that your child benefits fully from his / her time in the class and so that you feel more empowered to continue to help your child once Language Class placement is over.
Once your child is offered a place in the class we arrange for you to visit the class, both before and during placement. You will be expected to attend meetings during the school year – meetings that are arranged a) between the teacher, therapist and parent; and b) between the parent and speech/language therapist.
REFERRAL FOR LANGUAGE CLASS PLACEMENT