Parents FAQs

Here are some of the most common questions we are asked by parents about our service at New Heights. If we haven't managed to answer all of your questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

• What is a Speech and Language Therapist?

  Speech and language therapists are fully qualified professionals who assess, diagnose and treat speech, language and communication difficulties. A speech and language therapist will work with the child, their family and other professionals to achieve the best possible care.

  At New Heights we are all registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), and are members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

• Who benefits from seeing a Speech and Language Therapist?

  Speech and language therapy benefits anyone who has a speech, language or communication difficulty. At New Heights we specialise in helping children who are 0-11 years with a variety of speech, language and communication difficulties including attention and listening, understanding, expression (using words), speech sounds and social communication difficulties.

• What can I expect from an inital speech and language assessment?

  Speech and language therapy assessments vary according to the age, skills and difficulties each individual child is experiencing. At New Heights our initial assessments lasts between 60-75 minute and we gather information using a range of approaches including case histories, observations, informal and formal assessments. With very young children our speech and language therapists take a play based approach allowing children to feel at ease. At the end of the assessment we will be able to provide a short summary of our findings.

• What can I expect from speech and language therapy session?

  After completing an initial assessment we will decide on the child’s goals for therapy and what the best method of treatment will be for that child. The type of treatment given will vary for each child and depend on their specific needs and abilities.

  Our therapy sessions are always fun so we get the most out of your child yet very goal-focused and tailored to your little learner.

• Where will the speech and language sessions take place?

  You can decide whether you would like sessions to take place at home, or at the child’s educational setting.

• How long will treatment last?

  We have no set number of treatment sessions for our clients- it all depends on the specific needs and abilities of each child. Treatment is commonly once a week, however this may be more or less depending on the severity and type of difficulty, as well what suits you as a family.

• My child has been referred to the NHS for speech and language but there is a long wait. Can you see my child in the meantime?

  Absolutely, referrals to NHS therapy can often take months. As an independent practice we can usually see your child within 2 weeks of initial contact for an initial assessment and begin supporting your child as soon as possible. We know early intervention is really important in supporting speech, language and communication difficulties.

• Can my child receive input from independent therapy and the NHS?

  Yes absolutely- having private treatment will not affect your NHS entitlement. Independent therapy is as well as NHS, not instead of, so you won’t lose your place with the NHS service. At New Heights we have a background of working within the NHS so are keen to work alongside your NHS therapist to provide the best consistent intervention for your child.

• How much is a speech and language session with New Heights

  All our pricing is clearly displayed at the bottom of our parents page.