To ensure everyone gets help they need, we deliver our care through three levels of support. A child or young person may access different levels of support during their speech and language therapy journey, depending on the specific needs identified at that time.
Universal support is available to everyone and can be accessed without a referral to Speech and Language Therapy.
This is advice, information and practical strategies available to all families, carers, schools and settings. It includes general guidance to support children and young people’s speech, language, communication, and eating, drinking and swallowing development (dysphagia) in everyday life.
| Universal Support for 0-5 years | Universal Support for 5-18 years | Universal Support for Complex Needs (0-19 years) | Universal Support for Eating, Drinking, and Swallowing (Dysphagia) |
This is for children and young people who need more help than general advice alone can provide. It may include additional strategies, group support, training for education staff, and advice to help parents, carers and professionals support the child consistently.
This is for children and young people with more complex, severe or long-term speech, language, communication, or eating, drinking, and swallowing needs (dysphagia). It may include individual assessment, tailored therapy, specialist intervention, and joint working with families and the wider professional team.