Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) help children and young people who have difficulties with talking, understanding, listening, or communicating with others.

In Croydon, some speech and language therapy is provided as part of a child’s education support. This is called the Education Element and focuses on helping your child take part in learning and school life. 

SLTs can support your child with:

• Understanding language – following instructions or answering questions
  
• Expressing themselves – using words, sentences, or storytelling
  
• Speech sounds – saying words clearly so others can understand
  
• Social communication – taking turns, starting conversations, or interacting with others
  
• Attention and listening skills
  
• Using communication aids or visual tools if needed
  

The goal is to help your child communicate more easily, feel more confident, and succeed in their learning.

Therapists may work with your child:

• In school or nursery.
• In a clinic (sometimes).
• By giving advice, strategies or training to school staff and families.
• Through group sessions, classroom activities or 1:1 support.

Therapists help schools understand how to build communication into everyday learning.

If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and speech and language needs are included, therapy support will be provided as part of their educational provision (Section F).

The therapy team will work with the school to make sure the help described in the EHCP is delivered — and they’ll also contribute to annual reviews to monitor progress.

You can speak to:

• Your child’s school SENCo or class teacher.
• A health visitor or early years key worker (for younger children).
• A professional already supporting your child, like a paediatrician.

They can help decide if a referral to the speech and language therapy team is needed. In some cases, support can also be arranged through SEN Support without an EHCP.

Croydon’s Speech and Language Therapy team works in partnership with:

• Mainstream and special schools
  
• Nurseries and early years settings
  
• Parents, carers, and education staff
  

Their support is focused on helping your child communicate better at school and make the most of their learning.

Croydon's Speech and Language Therapy