Find out about wait times, episodes of care and how to support your child during and after Speech and Language Therapy.
We are working hard to ensure that children and young people are offered appointments as quickly as possible. In line with national guidance, most of our children and young people are seen within an average of 18 weeks. When your child reaches the top of the waiting list, we will contact you to offer an appointment.
Our service works in episodes of care meaning we work on specific goals with your child or young person at the time they are open to us.
An episode of care involves a set number of sessions, delivered in group and/or 1:1 depending on your child’s needs. Once a specific piece of evidence-based input has been completed with your child, the episode of care will be closed. If further support is needed in the future, you and/or nursery/school are able to refer into our service at any time, and you may do so as many times as required until your child reaches the age of 19.
Whilst under the care of the Paediatric Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) 0-19 service, input may include observation, assessment, provision of targets, direct or indirect therapy, advice, training and liaison, provision of resources, report writing and attendance at meetings as required.
Speech and Language Therapy is most effective when delivered in partnership with families.
We work closely with parents and carers to support you to support your child. As the person who knows your child best, you are your child’s most consistent and important communication partner, and you play a key role in helping them make progress.
Your involvement and regular practice of recommended strategies within everyday routines, both between sessions and after an episode of care has ended, is essential to support your child’s progress.
