What is the SLCN Enhanced Provision? 

Cherry Tree Academy hosts an Enhanced Provision for children whose primary need is Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
We provide specialist, integrated support while children continue learning within their mainstream classroom.

We offer:

• Specialist Speech & Language Therapy
• ELKLAN‑trained staff
• Daily practice of therapy targets
• Visual supports, structured routines and a language-rich environment

This helps pupils make progress while staying included with their peers.

The Team 

Our Enhanced Provision is supported by a skilled and approachable team who work closely with children, families and professionals to promote speech, language and communication development.

• Mrs Victoria Donnelly – SENDCo and SLCN Provision Lead
Coordinates the provision, oversees support and works directly with families and professionals.

• Mrs Alice Greenwood – Speech and Language Therapist
Provides assessment, therapy and ongoing guidance to staff and families.

• Class Teachers
Embed communication‑friendly strategies throughout daily learning.

• Mr Charlie Cantwell & Miss Chloe Barlow – Learning Support Assistants
Support pupils through daily practice of therapy targets and small‑group or 1:1 work.

• Miss Alex Symonds – Family Liaison Officer
Supports family engagement, wellbeing, attendance and communication.

A Small, Specialist Provision  

There are only 10 places in total:

• 5 EHCP places
• 5 Early Intervention Scheme (EIS) places

These places are not reserved for Cherry Tree pupils.
They are open to children from across North Essex, and a place at Cherry Tree Academy does not guarantee admission to the Enhanced Provision.

All admissions are decided only by the Local Authority SLCN Panel, not the school.

 

Who is the provision for? 

The Enhanced Provision is specifically for children whose main barrier to learning is speech and/or language, and who are able to learn within a mainstream class when the right support is in place.

This includes children who:

• have SLCN as their primary need,
• can meaningfully join in classroom learning with reasonable adjustments,
• benefit from regular speech and language therapy,
• show good potential to make progress in a language‑rich, inclusive setting.

The Enhanced Provision is not the right match for children who need:

• continuous 1:1 adult support,
• specialist provision for more complex learning needs, or
• support for needs relating mainly to Autism/social communication differences.

This helps us make sure each child receives support that truly fits their needs.

How Admissions Work 

EHCP Places

Families may name Cherry Tree Academy’s Enhanced Provision during an EHCP assessment or annual review. When this happens, the Local Authority sends a consultation to the school. The school reviews the EHCP and accompanying information to determine whether the provision would be appropriate for the child’s identified needs. In more complex cases, the school may seek advice from the Local Authority’s SLCN Panel before responding.

Early Intervention Scheme (EIS)

Early Intervention places are short‑term and designed to give children the specialist help they need at an early stage.

Referrals can be made by:

• Speech & Language Therapists
• SENDCos / Headteachers
• Essex Inclusion Partner

Eligibility Criteria for EIS

Children must have:

• Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) as their primary need, supported by a recent Speech and Language Therapist’s report and evidence of ongoing SaLT involvement; 
• No Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) in progress, agreed or under appeal; 
• A clear expectation that, with up to six terms of targeted therapy, they can progress towards age‑related expectations and return fully to their partnership school.

The aim of the Early Intervention Scheme is for children to receive targeted support, make strong progress in their communication skills, and then return confidently to their partnership school with the strategies they need to continue thriving, without requiring an EHCP.

EIS and Dual Registration 

Pupils accessing the Early Intervention Scheme may be dual‑registered, meaning they attend Cherry Tree Academy for their specialist SLCN support while remaining on roll at their partnership school. Dual registration can only take place with the agreement and consent of the partnership school.

During an EIS placement, the child is educated full‑time at Cherry Tree Academy, while the partnership school remains fully involved by:

• Keeping the child on roll and maintaining statutory records, including daily attendance;
• Attending all review and transition meetings;
• Sharing information and providing evidence for any assessments;
• Visiting the child at Cherry Tree regularly to support continuity;
• Helping to resolve any transport issues;
• Supporting planning and preparation for the child’s return.

This shared approach ensures both schools work together to support the child throughout their placement and during their transition back.

All EIS placements and dual‑registration arrangements depend on the Local Authority SLCN Panel agreeing a place

The SLCN Panel’s Role in EIS Admissions   

 The Local Authority’s multi‑agency SLCN Panel carefully reviews all referrals.

They look at:

• The child’s needs and strengths,
• How well they could access a mainstream class with specialist support,
• Recent speech and language reports,
• Whether the Enhanced Provision is the right match for the child.

The school provides professional advice as part of the process, but we do not make the final decision.

The EIS referral admission process

After an EHCP or EIS place is agreed