Referrals are accepted from parents, educational professionals and other health professionals (e.g.  Paediatricians, ENTs, Occupational therapists and Physiotherapists). 

Click here to arrange a visit or discuss your child’s needs.
Assessment
The initial assessment will be arranged at a mutually convenient place and time, either at the child’s home or nursery/school. The assessment will be held within 10 days of receipt of the initial enquiry. 

Assessment procedures will be discussed in advance with the parents/carers. A full debrief will be provided afterwards to ensure that parents/carers are kept fully informed, particularly if any decisions need to be made regarding further treatment.

The 60 to 90 minute assessment will start by taking a full developmental history, followed by appraisal of speech, language and communication skills. Formal and/or informal assessment tools will be used.  If this initial assessment identifies particularly complex issues, a further in-depth assessment may be necessary.

If your child requires a statutory assessment, this will include the above and a visit to your child's school to evaluate the impact of their communication difficulty on their learning ability. 

A written report of the findings of the assessment can be provided on request. 
Therapy
Therapy is provided in the most accessible and convenient setting for parents/carers and more importantly the child. The outcome of the initial assessment will determine whether future therapy will be most effective within the home and/or nursery/school setting. 

A therapy session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The sessions are conducted in a fun and motivating manner, to  ensure the child remains focused and engaged.

Additionally, the therapist will provide all the required resources to the parents/carers. A personalised therapy plan is prepared in consultation and agreement with the parents/carers and educational professionals.

With parent/carers consent, the therapist will offer regular liaison with any other professionals involved the child’s care with (e.g. NHS, educational and private professionals). 
Parents:
Parents/carers will be provided with specific strategies tailored to address the needs of their child’s communication difficulties. The therapist encourages regular feedback to ensure that targets set for the child are achievable. This allows for any adjustments required to enhance the child’s communication and ensures that parents/carers  are in full control of their child’s continued development at a pace suited to their individual family circumstances. 
Educational professionals:
The therapist’s role extends into the child’s educational environment. The therapy programme includes setting targets to support the child's functional communication within the classroom environment. This is achieved by providing appropriate strategies to education staff to modify the curriculum so that it meets the child’s communication development target. Staff training is provided if necessary. The therapist will liaise and attend any multi-professional meeting at the child’s school to further enhance the child’s development. I CAN Primary talk training can be provided to embed a whole school approach.