How to find children’s speech and language therapy in England

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

For concerns about speech, understanding or communication, start with a health visitor, nursery, school or GP and the local children's speech and language therapy service. For a bilingual child, describe skills across languages rather than English alone. NHS Devon: bilingualism ↗.

Describe the assessment question

Record understanding and speech at home and elsewhere, when difficulties began and their everyday impact. Mention hearing, illness and previous assessments. With consent, ask nursery or school for specific observations.

Bilingualism alone is not a disorder. Do not abandon the home language simply to access help: NHS Kent recommends adults use the language in which they can naturally provide a rich language model. NHS Kent: bilingual assessment ↗.

Check the local NHS referral route

Some services accept parental referrals; others require particular referrers or preliminary information. Age, postcode and the difficulty influence the route. Newcastle, for example, uses open referral with parental consent and specific EAL criteria. This illustrates a local process rather than a rule for all England. NHS Newcastle: referral guidelines ↗.

Confirm receipt, waiting arrangements, interim advice and school SENCO liaison. Tell the GP about lost skills or other new symptoms rather than limiting action to booking lessons.

Check a private professional

For someone using the titles speech and language therapist or speech therapist, verify HCPC registration and restrictions. These are protected professional titles. HCPC: professions and protected titles ↗.

Ask about relevant age experience, bilingual assessment, interpreters and home-language assessment. Speaking Russian alone does not establish clinical qualification.

Agree outcomes and costs

Before paying, establish assessment, report, session, school-liaison and cancellation fees. Request written goals and a review date. Avoid committing to a large package before needs are understood.

Agree home guidance and information sharing with NHS services or school. A private report may help but does not guarantee particular NHS treatment or an educational decision; check its intended use with the receiving service.