The Extension stage presents a set of skills and knowledge which would enable practitioners to create and share original and
innovative approaches in speech, language and communication. These would be based on a detailed understanding of current
research and best practice.
It does not necessarily assume that practitioners have practical skills and knowledge at the specialist stage of the SLCF, but that
they have the appropriate knowledge of theory to support their study at this level.
Depending on practitioners’ learning needs, the extension stage focuses on increasing the depth or breadth of their knowledge,
as well as the necessary skills of analysis, critical evaluation and innovation. It does not describe exactly what this should cover,
as the range of knowledge will vary greatly between individual practitioners’ programmes of learning and study.
The extension stage covers the following five main areas:
• having advanced skills and knowledge;
• having a comprehensive understanding;
• being able to critically evaluate a wide range of information and ideas;
• being able to use advanced skills and knowledge;
• being able to communicate complex information effectively.
It is likely that practitioners would develop skills through planned postgraduate study such as a Masters-level programme or through
mentored study. This could include full-time or part-time taught courses, Masters-level distance learning, self-directed study or
involvement as a clinical partner with a higher education institution in a research project. We would expect this kind of study to
involve an appropriate level of support or mentoring (or both) from an appropriately qualified and experienced professional, and
assessment at this level is linked to a relevant academic institution.