Referrals to the Communication and Interaction Team
Communication and Interaction (C&I) Specialist Teacher Advisors (STAs) support children and young people in mainstream schools and colleges, where communication and interaction is an area of need.
Our support operates at three levels:
- Universal advice and training - available to all schools and colleges
- Setting support - includes advice for Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCos) and Senior Leadership Teams, and bespoke training for schools and colleges identified by us or Hampshire County Council (HCC) partners
- Specialist advice - for children and young people with communication and interaction difficulties in mainstream settings. Schools and colleges should consult our detailed information to establish whether your child would benefit from support from our service
If you are worried about your child's special education needs, speak to your SENCo to see what support can be provided by the school or college.
Depending on staff experience and the child's needs, it may not always be necessary to refer a child to our service. Schools can raise general queries via an informal consultation meeting.
If your SENCo feels that they need specialist advice, then they will discuss a referral to our team with you. If you agree to the referral then the school will share a consent letter and form with you. If your child is at college then they are able to give consent themselves.
The referral will then be made by the SENCo to request support.
Local offer (Family Information and Services Hub)
Moving to Hampshire
If you are moving to Hampshire and your child has an EHCP with Communication and Interaction Needs then please speak to the SENCo or your SEN caseworker to discuss support for your child.
Your consent
We need your consent to support your child. Without it, we cannot work with them in school, college, at home, or liaise with other professionals supporting them.
Next steps
We will offer support to your school depending on your child's level of need.