Charlotte Gower - Speech and Language Therapist

17/07/2025

Check out Central Beds local offer for SEN activities over the holidays

https://localoffer.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/kb5/centralbedfordshire/directory/advice.page?id=a3z-EToMI_U&utm_source=e-shot&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Summer+holidays+2025+-+week+1&es_c=39E0FF119DD3D9DC97A08E8E4928B6C5&es_cl=98B52038C43A0BC37031D84EBFC9239B&es_id=p48£j4

🌟 NEW! TACTIC SEND Summer Programme 🌟

This summer, we’re launching a brand new FREE programme designed especially for young people aged 12–19 with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) 💛

📍 TACTIC Centre, Hockliffe Street
🕝 2:30–4:30pm
🎟️ Booking essential – limited spaces available!
🔗 Register here: https://www.leightonlinslade-tc.gov.uk/council_events/tactic-send-summer-sessions/

✨ Each week offers a fun and relaxed activity with access to our quiet sensory area and garden (weather permitting):

🗓️ Tues 29 July – ‘This is Me’ Mood Boards
🗓️ Tues 5 Aug – Building with Lego, Magnets & More
🗓️ Tues 12 Aug – Clay & Sand Modelling
🗓️ Tues 19 Aug – Wii, PCs, Card & Board Games Galore!

Come and explore, create, and connect in a supportive space this summer! 🌈

13/02/2025

Let’s talk self advocacy!

This is a topic that I am so passionate about and is at the centre of everything I do.

Why? To build independence and ensure your voice (whether verbally, using AAC or sign) is heard.

Your voice matters, no matter your age. Practicing self-advocacy from a young age helps you to build confidence to communicate and have your needs are met. Speak your truth, know your worth, and be proud of your strengths!

A must watch: on + which is based around a young person with CP advocating for her education and needs. Not everyone has this skill and can pick up AAC as easily as Melody but it’s definitely a good watch to develop understanding and insight

08/01/2024

At long last!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/disability-67772338?fbclid=IwAR03yAEojkqV7PEOvvcvKDNBFhBB7dXjip_kXwI_DoWFb7bNl1fe3GgWjaQ_aem_AbydtPgO-4RBSqIMg2M90_vlvSwRaylop-VQW5fYO5IhA8xItXT6qRCThN0rqSX8I48

Students in England will be able to choose British Sign Language as a GCSE subject from September 2025.

08/01/2024

Find out what type of language processor your child is.

We all learn in different ways and it’s important we identify how our little ones are developing their language so we can support them to move into the next stage.

Have a look at this easy guide to help you find out which language processor they are. It may be they are a bit of both aged 1-3 years but after age 3 they are likely to be presenting more as a GLP or ALP.

02/05/2023

Real hit with some of my young people! Highly recommend

CBBC's 'A Kind of Spark' reminds young people that they have the power to make amazing change, just the way they are! Episodes are on BBC iPlayer. ✨ https://bbc.in/40zNVE4

02/05/2023

Deaf Awareness Week (1-7th May)

It is so important everyone become informed and awareness of strategies we can all use to support individuals with Deafness in society.

Check out www.ndcs.org.uk for information and resources

04/04/2023

I’m sure to so many of you this is no surprise. To the numerous parents I can no longer help, I hope the government decide to offer funding and support for health services to reduce the waiting times. It is not okay to be waiting 1-2 years to be seen when you’re child is in the crucial stages of their development.

For those that may not be able to access the article below the Sunday Telegraph reported vesterday that
"over 12,000 children are enduring 'dangerous' waits of more than a year for NHS help."

Later the article stated
"Those under the age of 18 are now three times as likely as adults to face year-long waits for help from community health services, official figures show.”

Those under 18 are now three times as likely as adults to face year-long waits for community health services

30/03/2023

If you haven’t watched this series yet, make some time to gain your knowledge and insight into neurodiversity 💛💜

remember, if you’ve met one autistic person…you’ve met one autistic person!