Private speech and language therapy
Therapy Journey
Initial Contact
If you have initial concerns or seek advice on your child’s speech, language, or communication, you can contact PlayTalk directly either by email or phone for some free advice on whether an assessment and private speech and language therapy would be beneficial. It is helpful to have as much background information as possible about your child so PlayTalk can decide on the most appropriate form of assessment.
Assessment
The therapy journey most often begins with an initial assessment. The assessment is a collaborative process whereby you, the expert of your child, and the speech and language therapist join together. Our joint aim is to identify your child’s strengths and their speech and language difficulties, so that the most appropriate and beneficial interventions can be recommended. The PlayTalk assessment process will include the following:
A discussion of your expectations of speech and language therapy and any issues relating to your child’s development.
An informal observation of your child through play/conversation.
An assessment of your child as a whole person, considering a range of development skills, interests, challenges, and strengths
Recommendations
To get the most accurate information, PlayTalk may recommend assessment with other professionals. Where relevant and with permission, a part of the speech therapy assessment/therapy session may be videoed or audio recorded. This is a useful tool for both diagnosis and for monitoring progress during the therapy journey.
Therapy
Once your child has completed their assessment, PlayTalk will be able to suggest a plan forward. Therapy plans are bespoke and are based on what will make the most positive impact for your child. They typically include a range of one-to-one sessions, advisory support, practice outside of sessions and can include liaison/coaching with the wider multi-disciplinary team, such as school and nursery staff.
Fees and Payment
All fees are paid in advance or prior to the start of each session. An invoice will be sent before the assessment session or a block of therapy. If any sessions are cancelled, clients are offered an immediate refund or a reduction against their bill the following month.
Location of sessions
Assessments and therapy sessions take place either in your home or in your child’s school or nursery setting. Sessions are always done jointly with either parents or other key caregivers (such as teaching/nursery assistants). In this way, carryover of skills can be maximised and partnerships formed, giving confidence to help your child thrive.
If you have concerns about your child’s speech, language or general communication skills then please get in contact for a free initial phone chat
“Kathryn truly is great when it comes to speech and language therapy. She has built a great relationship with my son who looks forward to seeing her for his sessions. She is extremely patient and makes each session fun and engaging. It’s nice that the sessions are not like a classroom setting, but instead are relaxed and fun which my son really enjoys. Kathryn is really good at getting my son to talk through play and bringing in sounds that he struggled with into his play, which is great. There is no pressure on him as he is able to enjoy the activity and join in verbally.”
