Supporting communication, participation and learning across Croydon schools.

Croydon’s Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) provision for children and young people in schools has been strengthened through a new commissioned service delivered by specialist providers Better Days and Allen Speech and Language.

From November 2025, the new school-based model provides education-focused Speech and Language Therapy (SaLT) across the borough, working closely with schools to ensure children and young people receive the communication support identified within their Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The service has been designed to provide a more flexible, responsive and school-focused approach, with therapists working collaboratively with teachers, SENCOs, teaching assistants, families and other professionals.

The borough is divided into three SEND clusters:

• North Croydon – delivered by Better Days
• Central Croydon – delivered by Allen Speech and Language
• South Croydon – delivered by Better Days

Therapy is delivered within schools and can include individual and group intervention, assessment and advice, classroom strategies, staff support, and whole-school approaches to promote communication and inclusion.

Effective speech and language therapy is about more than individual therapy sessions. Our school-based approach aims to build communication-supportive environments where children can participate, learn and develop their independence.

We work alongside school staff to embed practical strategies into everyday classroom life, helping children use their communication skills across lessons, social situations and the wider school environment.

Croydon's new model recognises the importance of providing the right support in the right environment. By working directly within schools, Speech and Language Therapists can collaborate with education teams and help integrate communication strategies into children's everyday learning and participation.

The service forms part of Croydon's wider commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs and strengthening partnership working between education, health and families.

Croydon's Speech and Language Therapy (Mainstream Schools)