SPEECH SPACE

Speech Space is a clinic-based service held on Mondays, in Kirton in Lindsey Jubilee Town Hall (DN21 4LZ).  Appointments are available from 08.30am to 16.30pm.

Speech Space is best suited to children from pre-school to the end of year 6.  The types of speech and language difficulties that work well in a clinic-based setting include;

  • Understanding spoken language
  • Using words and building sentences
  • Developing clear speech

Working with a child always begins with an assessment of their strengths and needs, and this will allow me to be able to make recommendations about the best type of help that I can offer.  We can discuss this, to see if this meets your needs.  There is no obligation to commit to any further sessions and I will always try to work with you as flexibly as possible to tailor the support to your needs.

Here is a little bit more detail about the process and what you can expect:

First Telephone Contact

It is helpful to know;

  • How old your child is
  • About your child’s communication skills and what you have noticed (e.g. my child only says a handful of words, my child has lots to say but it’s hard to understand them).
  • Is anyone else supporting your child, such as another speech and language therapist, a specialist teacher, or anyone else
  • Is anyone else worried or concerned about your child’s communication (for example, has a teacher, or family member mentioned it)

We can decide together, if we think your child needs an assessment.  Sometimes, following a chat with you and hearing all about your child, we may decide that we don’t need to progress any further at this time, for example if I am able to reassure you that this is what we would expect for a child of that age.

Assessment Appointment

Appointments are held on Mondays, in Kirton in Lindsey Jubilee Town Hall (DN21 4LZ).  Appointments are available between 08.30am and 16.30pm.  I will always try to be flexible to find a time that suits you and your child.

Depending on your child’s age and needs, I use a combination of informal and formal assessment activities, as much as possible, motivated by play and activity.  I also talk to you to find out more about your child’s development and medical background.  This is so that I am able to understand everything that is going on for your child and understand their communication in that context.

There will always be time for me to give you some initial feedback about what I have found out during the session and if I think any further sessions would be helpful.  If I do recommend further appointments, there is never any obligation and will always be entirely your choice.  Not all children need further appointments.

Following the appointment, I will write a report which will profile your child’s strengths and needs and make recommendations.  This report will be sent to you within 10 working days, usually by e-mail.

Intervention Sessions / Therapy Appointments

If your child could benefit from further support and you would like me to help, we can arrange further appointments at a time to suit you and your child.

Therapy appointments usually last 45 minutes, which will include time with your child and feedback to you about their progress.  It is always important for you to attend the sessions with your child, so that you can see what I do, so that you can continue to help your child at home.

I will often suggest some activities and gams that you can use to help your child in between appointments and when it is needed, I provide you with some clinical resources to be able to do this.  Beyond doubt, it is the case that when therapy activities are continued and carried out between sessions, progress is more rapid.

We can agree a number of appointments, or it may be that you would just like to try one.  The choice is yours.  Sometimes, it is most beneficial to have weekly sessions, but in other cases, fortnightly, monthly or even half termly sessions are best.

Please always ask any questions if you are unsure about any aspect of the service.  I will always be happy to help.