Speech therapy service

Speech Therapy

I am a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist with over ten years' of experience working in the NHS . I offer assessments, second opinions, therapy and training. I work with a wide range of needs including speech sound and language difficulties, and children with learning difficulties.

I work with children from birth until 5 in all areas of communication development. I will also see children of any age when the main concern is speech sounds/ pronunciation.

Better communication for a better life

My approach is child-centred and functional. With help from parents/carers and educational staff, I work to target the areas that will have the most positive and rapid impact on a child's wellbeing and ability to live a full and happy life.

Therapy that works

I support children using a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches including:

Intensive Interaction
VERVE Parent Child Interaction
Attention Autism
Colourful Semantics
Cued Articulation
Makaton

Timely support

I offer blocks of weekly therapy that last from 4 -10 weeks. For some families that is all that is required. If your child still needs support after their therapy block, I will be very happy to stay involved and we can agree the best next step, which may be:

A further block of therapy- the frequency may be reduced to fortnightly or monthly sessions if you have gained confidence to do the therapy activities with your child at home in between sessions.
A follow up phone/video call, email, or in person visit after 6 weeks if your child is consolidating new skills.
I am keen to be accessible and welcome parent emails to keep me updated. It is always lovely to hear how children are progressing!

Value for Money

I understand that accessing Independent Speech and Language Therapy services can be a significant financial investment for families. I endeavour to deliver excellent value for money. Whenever possible I share research, rationale and training with carers and educational staff. The programmes I set always include elements that can be delivered at home or in school without the need of expert training or resources. This ensures that the best strategies and activities can be used throughout the day with a child at home and in their educational settings. This results in more rapid acquisition of new skills and fewer sessions being required. The value that improved communication adds to our lives is immeasurable.

I take pride in the high quality of the work I deliver. If you are not 100% satisfied by the service you receive, I will offer a full refund for the cost of the assessment package purchased, or a free reassessment appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please contact me if you cannot find an answer to your question.

When are the next available appointments?

I am currently fully booked for new clients. I have a small amount of availability for supervision and second opinions.

Which communication difficulties can you support?

I work with young children aged 0-11 in all areas of communication including children with delayed language, Autism, and language difficulties. I also specialise in working with children of any age where speech sounds (pronunciation) is the main concern. I have extensive experience with:

Speech sound (pronunciation) delays and disorders.
Autistic children, and children with differences to their social communication skills.
Language delays and disorders.
Voice.
Communication difficulties associated with Downs Syndrome developmental delays, acquired brain injuries, and congenital disorders.

Please contact me if you need support for an area I have not mentioned, and I will let you know whether my skillset matches what you require.

What happens at an assessment appointment?

I will come to your home, or your child's educational setting. I am happy to offer video appointments if preferred. PPE and other precautions can be requested. Before the appointment I will ask about a child's interests and preferences so I can bring the most motivating resources and assessments.

I will spend some time observing the child playing or carrying out normal daily routines. I will then join the child to attempt some play based assessments, or invite them to a quiet spot to have them look at a book or some assessment resources with me. I will often use an approach known as 'Dynamic Assessment' which involves me trying out different strategies and therapeutic approaches and observing a child's response. This approach allows me to quickly establish a child's learning strengths and helps me identify what kind of therapy is likely to work most rapidly and effectively.

I have a lot of experience of working with children who are wary of strangers or children who prefer not to sit still. It is my responsibility to use games and play to make sure everyone feels relaxed and engaged. I find it helpful to tell children who may worry about my visits that I am simply coming to see their toys. Before my visit, help the child choose a toy or favourite book to show me. It can be helpful if we avoid telling a chid to 'talk' to me, as this typically has the opposite effect.

Better communication for a better life.