Higher Level Communication Practitioner Award
Higher Level Communication Practitioner Award
Higher Level Communication Practitioner Award
A Nationally Recognised Qualification for Teaching Assistants and Early Years Practitioners
With increasing levels of Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) among children and young people, the HLCP can play a key role in facilitating effective support for the development of children and young people’s speech, language and communication development within educational and early years settings. This nationally recognised programme empowers practitioners to bridge the gap between settings and specialist services, ensuring every child and young person receives high-quality provision and support for the development of their speech, language and communication skills and overall learning journey.
Key Benefits:
- Recognition: A nationally recognised qualification for professionals supporting children and young people with SLCN
- Quality Impact: Enables targeted and universal communication interventions across schools and early years settings.
- Confidence for Professionals: Ensures practitioners have the skills and confidence to deliver speech and language support effectively.
- Improved Outcomes: Supports collaboration between practitioners, SENCOs, and Speech and Language Therapists, improving children's communication skills.
What is the HLCP Award?
- Qualification: A nationally recognised level 4 qualification awarded by OCN London.
- Pathway: A structured route to gain and demonstrate advanced knowledge and practical skills for supporting children with SLCN.
- Aligned with Frameworks: Based on the Speech, Language and Communication Framework (SLCF) competencies.
How Does It Work?
The HLCP award involves:
Flexible Learning: A combination of self-study, webinars, individual tutorial and assessment.
Practical Application: Supporting two children/young people with different SLC needs.
Assessment : Live virtual observation, reflective discussion and discussions with the setting SENCO and Headteacher/Manager.
Evidence Portfolio: An e-portfolio is completed to demonstrate enhanced-level competencies.
Program Timeline:
- Webinars & Support: Four live group webinars and one individual tutorial.
- Study Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week depending on prior experience plus practical application and development of skills within your setting.
- Completion: Most candidates gain the award within one academic year.
The HLCP Journey
Units 1 & 2: Foundation knowledge and meeting SLCF competencies.
Units 3 & 4: Practical implementation with two children, observation, and reflection.
Final Assessment: An HLCP assessor will complete a live virtual observation and discussion with the HLCP candidate their SENCO and Headteacher.
| Name of Unit | Type of Assessment | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit 1 | Understand and Identify SLCN of children/young people | Short, written tasks (250 words) concerning all children/young people with SLCN |
| Unit 2 | Working in collaboration with others to support children/young people with SLCN | Short, written tasks (250 words) concerning all children/young people with SLCN |
| Unit 3 | Application and knowledge to support children/young people with SLCN | Short written descriptions (250 words) concerning two specific children/young people in the setting who have different SLC needs |
| Unit 4 | Application of skills and evaluation of support for children/young people Written descriptions, practical demonstration, and production of artefacts with two specific children/young people described in Unit 3 with SLCN | Written descriptions, practical demonstration, and production of artefacts with two specific children/young people described in Unit 3 |
| Oral question and answer session about the same two children/young people |
HLCP Opportunities
- Recognition of your role: Achieve recognition for your expertise in SLCN support.
- Valued collaboration: Become the key point of contact for Speech and Language Therapists and local authority services.
- Impact beyond the classroom: Help identify and support children with SLCN who may not otherwise receive intervention and support the development of high-quality provision across the whole setting.
It is so helpful to have someone in school with foundational knowledge of communication. She ensures strategies are implemented school-wide and can explain WHY we do what we do!Alison Evans - Speech and Language Therapist
Who Can Apply?
To qualify, you need:
- GCSE Grades 9-4 (or equivalent) in English and Maths
- Support from your Headteacher/Manager and SENCO
- Experience of working with children/young people with speech, language and communication needs
Get started today
Watch the recorded Q&A webinar to learn more about HLCP.
Online Training
£740 plus VAT per person.
Become a Higher Level Communication Practitioner and make a real difference for children with speech and language needs.
Participating Settings
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