Question 1

What's the difference between Speech & Language Therapists in independent practice compared to the NHS?

Accepted Answer

All Speech and Language Therapists will have completed intensive training to become qualified. The difference is that independent Speech and Language Therapists do not have to deliver input only within the restrictions of what is commissioned through the NHS meaning they can see children the NHS may not see. Independent therapists are able to tailor a package of intervention to meet your and your child’s specific needs and can deliver them in an environment felt most appropriate for the child.

Question 2

Do I need to be present for my child’s sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes you do need to be present if the sessions take place at your home. It is essential that you are involved in the sessions in order for you to take away advice from the therapist and implement it in between sessions. If the sessions take place in your child’s educational setting, it is requested that a representative from that setting is present to support generalisation of your child’s skills. You are also welcome to be present at any sessions for your child in their educational setting.

Question 3

Do you have all the relevant qualifications and checks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am a qualified Speech and Language Therapist and am registered with the Health Care Professionals Council (HCPC).
 
I am also a member of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice. I hold my own enhanced DBS that I have renewed on a regular basis. You are welcome to view this at any time.

Question 4

How long are your sessions?

Accepted Answer

Both assessment and intervention sessions last for one hour. This includes time to set up, work directly with your child, have a discussion with you and to clear up. Notes and goals are written outside of this hour.

Question 5

What if I/you need to cancel a session?

Accepted Answer

If I need to cancel an appointment, I will let you know as soon as possible. If you need to cancel an appointment (such as due to illness or family circumstances), please let me know as soon as possible. Cancellations made up to 8.30am on the day of the appointment will not be charged for.

Cancellations made after 8.30am on the day of the appointment up to 30 minutes before the start time will be issued with a £20 charge. Cancellations made within 30 minutes of the start time of the appointment will be issued with a £50 charge. Please ensure cancellations are made via email/text/WhatsApp message and that you

have received a reply from me so that both parties know the session has been cancelled/needs to be rescheduled.

The full session fee will apply in the event of non-attendance. Non-attendance includes:

If you are not in when I come to your appointment at home/where the appointment is planned to take place. 
Your child is not in their educational setting/agreed location when I attend an arranged visit. 2.

It is your responsibility to inform me if your child is not going to be at their educational setting for an appointment, not the responsibility of the educational setting.

Question 6

How do you keep my and my child’s details secure?

Accepted Answer

I use a specialist notes based system which is fully GDPR compliant. All information about you and your child is stored on this system.

Question 7

What are your Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy?

Accepted Answer

You can view my terms and conditions along with privacy policy by clicking here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What's the difference between Speech &amp; Language Therapists in independent practice compared to the NHS?