east cheshire nhs children's speech and language
The Children's Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) services aim to help your child
to communicate to the best of their ability. The East Cheshire Speech and
Language Therapy (SLT) service supports children and young people 0–16 years
old, who have speech, language and communication difficulties and/ or feeding
and swallowing difficulties. In order to access the service, clients must have a
GP within the geographical area covered by East Cheshire NHS Trust. Speech,
language and communication needs might include problems with making speech
sounds, understanding and using language, stammering, voice (persistent
hoarseness), social interaction skills, feeding and swallowing difficulties. The
Speech and Language Therapist will assess the child/ young person's strengths
and needs. The therapist will sometimes use a formal standardised assessment but
may also use informal assessments i.e. observation to inform the decision making
on the best way to support and develop the child/ young person’s communications
skills. They will then provide advice, intervention and training if this is seen
to be appropriate. The Speech and Language Therapist will work closely with
parents/ carers’; discussing the child’s needs and provide coaching on ways in
which to practise activities at home with their child. The Speech and Language
Therapist will work collaboratively with other professions; teachers, support
assistants, nursery staff or others who the child has regular contact or support
from. The Speech and Language Therapist will discuss the child/ young person’s
needs to help others understand the nature of the difficulties and provide them
with ideas and strategies to help promote and maximise his/ her communication
skills.
