Speech, Language and Communication difficulties impact children’s learning, literacy, social relationships and wellbeing. Early access to SLT is a cost saver by reducing the need for further support later on in a child’s journey.
What are speech, language communication needs?
The term ‘speech language and communication needs’ describes difficulty with any area of communication.This includes (but is not limited to) difficulties with:
- Listening and attention
- Pretend Play
- Understanding instructions
- Using words
- Putting words into sentences
- Producing sounds accurately and speaking clearly
- Understanding and remembering new vocabulary
- Understanding and using non verbal communication including signs, symbols and alternative communication.
- Inferencing and ‘reading between the lines’
- Speaking fluently and confidently
- Making and maintaining friendships
Speech and Language Therapists work with children across all of these areas.
How do SLCN effect school progress?
Speech, language and communication are the building blocks for a child’s learning and development and have a huge impact on a child’s ability to develop and learn. Early intervention has huge benefits for children who are displaying speech, language and communication difficulties.
How many children are affected?
- 8% of children aged 5 years have a specific speech and language impairment, and a further 2% have SLCN linked to other conditions e.g. learning disability, cerebral palsy or autism (Giving Voice Campaign)
- This means 3 children in every classroom will have SLCN needs (Bercow Report – 10 years on)
- Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) affects 690,000 School-aged children (Speech and Language UK)
- In some areas of high social deprivation 50% of children start school with significant speech, language and communication needs.(Bercow, 2019)
- Government data shows 25% of pupils with SEND have SLCN as their primary need (Speech and Language UK, 2025)
Our schools’ service is tailored to your school and its needs.
Our service can include input at universal, targeted and specialist intervention levels. It includes:
- Formal Assessment, reports and recommendations.
- Contributing to educational or multi-professional assessments including ECHAR/EHCP.
- Liaising with NHS speech and language therapists to ensure a joined up approach.
- Directly delivering Individual and small group interventions.
- Clear, resourced therapy plans and support to implement them.
- Access to our AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Library
- Training for teachers and teaching assistants.
- Parent workshops and drop ins.
- Whole school approaches, such as communication friendly schools.
- Clear communication, adaptability and flexibility.
How much will it cost?
Because our service is designed specifically for each school, we will negotiate a best value price for your school. We are happy to provide different levels of service, from weekly input, to one off sessions and will discuss with you the best value provision for your needs.We offer reduced prices for regular bookings but if you would simply like to buy a one off assessment session, that is also possible.
FAQs
No. If you want you can have us in for a day or just for a session. If you are able to commit to regular sessions it will be cheaper as it allows us to plan. We can also offer ‘taster days’ if you would like us to come into your setting to meet you before you commit to regular sessions.
Yes you can but you must have the parents consent. We can send you consent forms and information about our costs to have on hand to discuss with parents. Parents can also refer their own child by ringing 07862178850 or emailing queries@seasideslt.co.uk
We see children funded by settings and funded by parents. Parents who are self-funding can access our pay-what-you-can-afford scheme (The Lighthouse Scheme) which means they can pay as little as 10% of our fees. Settings can access reduced rates by buying in time and splitting it between several children.
Not at all. All children have a right to access NHS services regardless of what other support they are receiving. If a child is working with us and a NHS SLT we liaise regularly. We may split the child’s needs between us e.g. one work on speech sounds and one work on language development or we might arrange alternating appointments e.g. the child would be seen by us while they are having a break from nHS services. We can also reinforce NHS targets and support your staff to deliver any advice or plans given by the NHS.
Yes we offer formal and informal training. Look on our training page for more information about topics. If you buy us in fortnightly or more frequently a free training session is included in the package. If you have a specific training need just get in touch and we can deliver something bespoke for your setting
We always produce a therapy plan for every child we are working with. This is shared with parents and setting staff. It will include the therapist’s contact details, the child’s current targets, activities and resources and a date the plan will be reviewed. We ensure staff are supported to deliver the plans by modelling activities, checking in with staff regularly and being available for any questions. We don’t leave staff unsure of next steps.
Yes all our staff have current enhanced DBS checks, up to date safeguarding training and have had all the appropriate checks re right to work in the UK etc. They have also completed statutory training re fire, health and safety etc and paediatric first aid. We can provide a letter confirming this for your records if you require it.
Let's work together
If you would like to explore how we can support you, we would be delighted to arrange an initial conversation.
Contact us to discuss your needs and available packages.
