Who can be Referred?
Anyone from 0 – 21 years can be referred. Prior to referrals being processed we will discuss the individual’s needs to ascertain if we are able to help. A referral form and a questionnaire/s will be sent for completion prior to an initial appointment. These must be completed prior to your first session..
Where will we be seen?
Initial appointments are usually offered at “The Speech Den”. Our service aims to meet the needs of each individual child/young person and therefore the venue for appointments may vary from session to session – however, this will be discussed and agreed by all parties. This is all part of our client-centred, holistic approach. We try our best to accommodate everybody but may not be able to offer offsite visits on a regular basis.
When can my child be seen?
Monday to Friday – 8-30a.m. – 4.30 p.m.
Both term time and school holidays.
What to Expect
Referral – once a child is referred an initial consultation will be offered at the earliest convenience.
After the initial consultation we will discuss recommendations with the child/client/parents/carers/teachers/other professionals and if further sessions are required, either for assessment or intervention. The format of these sessions will be agreed by all parties. Sessions vary with some clients requiring weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits depending on their need.
Regular sessions – If both parties agree to the number of sessions recommended, specific goals will be planned and a review date arranged. Owing to the nature of Speech and Language Difficulties it can be difficult to predict how many sessions will be required or for how long the child/young person will need to attend. In some circumstances the child/young person may need to receive several blocks of intervention with breaks in between to allow for consolidation.
HOw to support between sessions
Yes — activities, strategies and supports will be tailored to support the individual goals identified by the Speech and Language Therapist and can contribute towards My Plans/My Plan+ and EHCP outcomes.
To help children and young people make the best possible progress, activities and strategies to continue between sessions will be shared and modelled during therapy sessions. Regular opportunities to practise skills/embed supports in everyday environments can make a significant difference to confidence, communication and overall outcomes.
We will also work closely with nursery/teaching staff by providing activities, advice and strategies so that everyone involved can take a consistent, collaborative approach to supporting the child or young person. Research shows that strong partnership working between families, education staff and therapists plays an important role in achieving positive and meaningful outcomes.
Liaising with NHS Speech & Language Therapists?
If your child or young person is currently receiving support from an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, or has previously been known to the NHS service, this will be discussed as part of the referral process.
In line with professional guidance and best practice, communication between professionals may be required to ensure a collaborative and joined-up approach to support. Working together in this way helps to provide consistent recommendations,a joined up approach ensuring the best possible outcomes for the child or young person.
Further information about professional guidelines and collaborative working can be provided on request.
Could a speech & language assessment help?
Many children and young people communicate, learn and interact in different ways, and every child’s communication profile is unique. An assessment can help to better understand your child’s strengths, differences and areas where additional support may be helpful.
You may wish to consider an assessment if your child or young person:
Finds it difficult to express themselves clearly or to be understood by others, DLD is suspected
Has difficulty producing certain speech sounds, suspected Speech sound disorder
Becomes frustrated when trying to communicate their wants, needs or ideas
Finds it hard to understand or follow spoken language or instructions
Is not yet using words or is using only a few words
Experiences differences with attention, listening, memory or processing spoken information, suspected Auditory Processing needs.
May stammer or Repeats sounds, words or phrases or gets “stuck” on words
Finds social communication or interaction challenging, including building or maintaining friendships
Has needs with group play or joining in with others
Experiences differences relating to social interaction or communication style
Finds reading, writing or literacy skills difficult
Experiences anxiety or reduced confidence linked to communication difficulties
- Needs support as a Gestalt Language Processor
We understand that seeking support or arranging an assessment can sometimes feel overwhelming for families. Our approach is warm, child-centred, neurodiversity-affirming and tailored to the individual child or young person. Assessments are designed to feel supportive, engaging and reassuring, often using play-based and interest-led activities to help children and young people feel comfortable and confident.
Our aim is always to understand and celebrate each individual’s unique communication profile while identifying strategies and supports that can help them thrive at home, in education settings and within everyday life.
Contacting The Speech Den:
Telephone enquiries: 07876 537213 or 01242 539016
Email enquiries: enquiries@thespeechden.com