oxleas.nhs.uk

Speech and Language Therapy Servicefor pre-school childrenBexley Specialist Children’s Services

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June2017 OX250

Confi dentiality

All our staff are required to abide by a strict code of conduct on confi dentiality. We will only share information with those who need to know in order to provide good quality care. Occasionally there may be exceptions to this, for example to support a clinical audit or to monitor the quality of care provided. We will usually discuss this with you beforehand.

Your opinion matters

We are committed to providing the highest standards of care, so we welcome your views on the services we provide. If you would like to comment, make a suggestion or make a complaint, please speak to the person you normally see or ask to speak to the team manager. You may also like to speak to our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) by ringing our Freephone number on 0800 917 7159.

NB: this address is for administration queries only. Your appointment will take place at one of our community clinics. Please see your appointment letter for details.

How to contact us

Speech and Language Therapy ServiceChildren and Young People’s ServicesAcorns, Queen Mary’s Hospital, Frognal Avenue, Sidcup,Kent DA14 6LT

T: 0203 004 0092E: oxl-tr.bexleyscs-spa@nhs.net

What we doWe assess and treat speech, language and communication problems to enable people tocommunicate to the best of their ability.We help children who havedifficulties with:

• producing and using speech

• understanding language

• using language

• social communication

• feeding, chewing or swallowing

• a stammer

• a voice problem.

We work closely withparents and carers and otherprofessionals, such as:

• doctors

• health visitors

• teachers/nursery staff.

Your first appointmentYour first appointment will last about an hour. On this visit we will encourage your child to explore the toys and settle in. The therapist will listen to your child and observe their play skills. You can discuss your concerns with the therapist who will ask about your child’s early development and the sorts of things they can do now.

The therapist will need to know how your child communicates in different settings. Please bring your child’s Personal Child Health Record, (red book) to your first appointment. If you need an interpreter, please let us know as soon as possible. There will be a chance for you to ask questions and you may like to write them down before your appointment and keep them handy.

The therapist will use toys and pictures to assess your child’s progress in the following areas:

• attention and listening

• social interaction

• play skills

• understanding of language

• use of language (words/sentences)

• speech sounds.

If your child is developing appropriately we will discharge them. However, if any concerns arise in the future they can be re-referred to our service.

After your first appointmentIf your child’s speech and language is delayed, we will arrange for one or more of the following:

• advice and a review appointment in 3-6 months

• home/nursery programme

• individual/group therapy

• further assessment/second opinion

• referral to other services

• discussion and advice about speech and language support when starting school.

If you don’t attend yourappointmentSo that we can help your child we ask that you keep your appointment. If there is a good reason why you cannot attend please let us know as soon as possible and we will happily rearrange your appointment. If you fail to attend without notifying us, your child will be discharged.

Further informationAfasic and ICAN are national organisations, which offer support and information forparents, children and youngpeople about speech, languageand communication needs.

www.afasic.org.ukT: 0845 3 55 55 77

www.ican.org.uk

The following organisations offer local support to parents and children with special needs:www.bexleysnap.org.ukwww.bexleyvoice.org.ukwww.bexleylocaloffer.uk

This leaflet is for parents and carers of preschool children. It introduces the Speech and Language Therapy Service and explains who we work with, the problems we can help with and the support we offer.

Who we areWe are a team of speech and language therapists workingwith children who have communication problems.