Referral to speech and language therapy
If your child is not yet at school you can come to one of our 'Drop-Ins' (paused during Covid) or request an Early Advice session by video link with you and your child. For further information see below and click here
If your child is at school then you can talk to their teacher and discuss whether additional support from speech and language therapy is needed. If so, school will complete a Request for Involvement. Further information can be found here. Alternatively ring our duty desk 0300 029 5050 Option 3 and we will advise you what to do.
Speech and language therapy Clinic Drop-ins and : Information for Families
What is a speech and language therapy drop-in/Early Advice Session?
Speech and language therapy drop-ins give you an opportunity to come to one of our clinics to discuss your child’s speech, language and communication. The therapist will talk through your concerns with you, and carry out a brief and simple assessment with your child; you can then make decisions together about whether a full assessment or therapy is appropriate.
An Early Advice Session is an opportunity to discuss your child's speech, language and communication by video consultation. To request a slot, please complete the form Early Advice welcome questionnaire.
Who can go to a drop-in or request an Early Advice session?
Anyone who has concerns about their pre-school aged child’s speech, language and communication. Sometimes parents and carers are advised to do this by a professional e.g. Health Visitor, G.P., Nursery/Playgroup staff.
Please note that these short appointments are not suitable if your child has difficulties in a wider range of areas than just speech and language. It is likely that a longer appointment will be necessary and that other professional support may also be needed. Please arrange with your health visitor or early Years setting to complete an Early Health Assessment. This will ensure that you get the right help.
Do I wait to receive an appointment letter?
No, just drop-in! When you arrive you will be advised about how many families are there and when you are likely to be seen. We may suggest that you come back a little later if there is a wait. Appointments last no more than 20 minutes.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your child and any letters/reports from professionals that you think may be relevant. You might want to bring your ‘red book’ as a reminder about dates (and that’s where you can find your NHS number).
What will happen when I get there?
Our speech and language therapy assistant will greet you in the waiting area and ask you to fill in a form with your child’s details. She will be available to help you with any questions about the form. You will wait until it is your turn to see the therapist.
Under exceptional circumstances, if there are too many children to be seen by the therapist in one session, parents will be given dates of future drop-ins and invited to return.
What will happen at the end of the appointment?
The therapist will talk through various options with you:
- The therapist may reassure you that your child’s speech, language and communication skills are developing as expected for his or her age.
- You may agree that therapy is not necessary at this stage, but you could come to another drop-in if you are still concerned in a few months’ time.
- The therapist may want to carry out further assessments, and will offer you some dates for a full appointment. If none of these are convenient, you will be asked to phone in to arrange a date.
- If it is felt that your child will benefit from our therapy groups, the therapist will give you information and dates of parents’ meetings.
Click here for more information on
speech and language therapy pathways.
Please phone our duty desk 0300 029 5050 Option 3 if you have any queries or if you would like to talk about the dates of drop-ins in your area.
Referral to speech and language therapy
If your child is at school then see our section on
how to refer school-aged children.
You can also talk to your child's teacher and ask about referral or ring us on 01223 884494 and we will advise you what to do.
What is a speech and language therapy drop-in?
Speech and language therapy drop-ins give you an opportunity to come to one of our clinics to discuss your child’s speech, language and communication. The therapist will talk through your concerns with you, and carry out a brief and simple assessment with your child; you can then make decisions together about whether a full assessment or therapy is appropriate.
Who can go to a drop-in?
Anyone who has concerns about their child’s speech, language and communication can come along. Sometimes parents and carers are advised by a professional to visit a drop-in, e.g. Health Visitor, G.P., Nursery/Playgroup staff.
Do I wait to receive an appointment letter?
No, just drop-in! When you arrive you will be advised about how many families are there and when you are likely to be seen. We may suggest that you come back a little later if there is a wait. Appointments last no more than 20 minutes.
What do I need to bring?
Bring your child and this leaflet and any letters/reports from professionals that you think may be relevant. You might want to bring your ‘red book’ as a reminder about dates (and that’s where you can find your NHS number).
What will happen when I get there?
Our speech and language therapy assistant will greet you in the waiting area and ask you to fill in a form with your child’s details. She will be available to help you with any questions about the form. You will wait until it is your turn to see the therapist.
Under exceptional circumstances, if there are too many children to be seen by the therapist in one session, parents will be given dates of future drop-ins and invited to return.
What will happen at the end of the appointment?
The therapist will talk through various options with you:
a) The therapist may reassure you that your child’s speech, language and communication skills are developing as expected for his or her age.
b) You may agree that therapy is not necessary at this stage, but you could come to another drop-in if you are still concerned in a few months’ time.
c)
The therapist may want to carry out further assessments, and will offer you some dates for a full appointment. If none of these are convenient, you will be asked to phone in to arrange a date.
d)
If it is felt that your child will benefit from our therapy groups, the therapist will give you information and dates of parents’ meetings.
Click here for more information on speech and language therapy pathways.
Please phone our main office base on 01223 884494 if you have any queries or if you would like to talk about the dates of drop-ins in your area.