What is a Speech & Language Therapist (SaLT)?
A Speech and Language Therapist, otherwise known as a SaLT, is a trained, experienced and fully qualified and registered allied healthcare professional responsible for supporting individuals with a wide variety of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). A SaLT will have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree training course in speech and language therapy from a recognised university and be fully vetted and registered by the HCPC (Health Care Professionals Council), the RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists) and the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service).
What is a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner (SaLTAP)?
A Speech and Language Therapy Assistant Practitioner, otherwise known as a SaLTAP, is a trained and experienced professional responsible for supporting individuals with a wide variety of speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Our SaLTAPs work closely with our Speech and Language Therapists (SaLTs) to help our clients achieve lasting change. They provide clinical intervention to clients, assist the SaLT in the assessment process and liaise with the MDT (Multi-Disciplinary Team) and parents and carers, amongst other important duties. All our SaLTAPs are fully vetted by the DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and our SaLT apprentice SaLTAPs are often student members of the RCSLT (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists).
At Magic Words we have a thorough and robust recruitment process and we only accept applications for SaLTAP positions from people who have extensive experience of working with children and young people with SEN and SLCN (Speech, Language and Communication Needs). We look for candidates who have either already worked in a SaLTAP role elsewhere or who are currently looking to train as a SaLT. A growing number of our SaLTAPs are degree apprentices currently completing degrees in Speech and Language Therapy. Here are some of the activities SALTAPs can carry out:
Client observations in a range of social contexts (e.g. playtime, lunch time, in the classroom) to contribute to client assessments
Planning therapy and intervention with the support of the SaLT
Delivering therapy and intervention both 1:1 and in groups
Delivering coaching to the client and or family
Reviewing progress and making changes to the therapy plan in collaboration with the SaLT
Conducting informal assessment where permitted (e.g. RAPT, TALC, BPVS) and feeding the results back to the SaLT
Explaining assessment and treatment aims to the client / carer / MDT (including education professionals such as SENCOs and class teachers)
Supporting initial and review assessments by gathering information
Preparing and developing therapy resources
Contacting and working collaboratively with other healthcare professionals and members of the MDT (including education professionals such as SENCOs and class teachers)
Maintaining accurate and contemporaneous clinical records
Feeding back client progress to clients / client’s family members / members of the MDT (including education professionals such as SENCOs and class teachers)
