Please find below a list of commonly asked questions.
- How will I know if speech therapy is right for me and my child?
- We offer a FREE 15 minute telephone consultation to discuss your child’s needs. The therapist will be able to confirm whether your child would benefit from therapy and which type of sessions would be best.
- Do I need to attend sessions with my child?
- Yes. It is important that you attend every session so that you can continue to use the techniques and strategies to support your child at home.
- Where will sessions be held?
- Usually sessions are held at Alconbury Weald Pavilion, in a small clinic room. However I have also run sessions from Huntingdon library (Pod room) and Huntingdonshire Community Church (first floor clinic rooms). The time and place will be agreed with you in advance of all sessions.
- There is also the option of sessions taking place at your child’s nursery, pre school or school – depending on the setting’s location and space available.
- We regret that we are unable to offer therapy from either the therapist’s or client’s home.
- Can I bring siblings to sessions?
- Yes, you are welcome to bring siblings along. However please bring something quiet to entertain them such as a book or colouring as it is important that you can give your full attention to the session. All children will be the sole responsibility of the parents. Sessions will be tailored around the child receiving therapy only.
- Will there be homework?
- During therapy sessions, techniques, activity ideas and games will be demonstrated for you to practise with your child at home between sessions.
- For older children especially, activities may be given for you to take home and do with your child between sessions.
- It is important that you make time to do these often as that will make the most difference for your child. Speech therapy is not a ‘quick fix’ and, while attending the sessions is important, continuing the techniques at home will make the biggest difference for your child.
- Do you offer therapy at nursery or school?
- Therapists will liaise with your child’s nursery key worker or class teacher with your consent, so that all adults involved with the child can have a clear understanding of needs and ways to support him/her.
- Therapists are happy to hold some sessions at nursery or school if you would prefer, but this is dependent upon nursery/school agreeing and them having an appropriate space for therapy. We may also strongly advise that you attend at least 50% of sessions held there. In our experience though, nurseries are usually very happy for the child to attend speech therapy elsewhere.
- Please note you will still be liable for the cost of the session regardless of where it is held.
- Do you offer virtual therapy?
- Yes we do! These may be offered if appropriate for the child’s needs and in the case where the child lives too far away for face to face appointments to be feasible. We are aware that some parents may also prefer this option given concerns about Covid-19.
- How much do sessions cost?
- Please see our fees page for more information.
- The length and type of sessions will be agreed with you in advance and based on your child’s age and needs.
- Prices will be agreed and payment taken (via bank transfer or cash) in advance of all sessions.
- What if I am late?
- We know that life with young children doesn’t always run smoothly and arriving on time can sometimes be a challenge! However to ensure that you gain the most from each session, we regret that we will be unable to see you if you are more than 10 minutes late.
- What if my child is ill or I am unable to attend a session?
- Where possible, we politely request that you give the therapist 48 hours’ notice that you will be unable to attend a session so that we can rearrange the appointment.
- In the case of illness or where 48 hours’ notice is not possible, please let us know as soon as possible. Unfortunately if less than 48 hours notice is given we can make no guarantees about rescheduling and you will be liable for the full cost of the session.
- If your child is unable to attend 50% or more sessions within a block, we will cancel the block and you will be placed back onto the waiting list. Any money for remaining sessions will be refunded.
- What if the therapist cancels the session?
- All sessions cancelled by the therapist will be either rescheduled or, in the case of final sessions that you do not wish to be rescheduled, refunded.
- How long will my child need therapy for?
- How long is a piece of string! Therapy will be tailored to your child’s individual needs and will be offered for as long as he/she requires. Discharge at the end of a block will be based upon your child achieving their goals and/or you feeling equipped to support your child at home without the need for therapy. This will be discussed and agreed with you in advance.
- Do you liaise with other professionals involved in my child’s care?
- Yes, we can attend multi-disciplinary meetings and liaise with any other appropriate professionals involved in your child’s care.
- Substantial interactions such as long phone calls, emails or meetings will be chargeable.
- Do you accept insurance payments to cover the cost of sessions?
- We regret that we are not able to liaise directly with insurers. We require payment from parents and advise that you seek reimbursement from your insurers.
Got a question that wasn’t answered? Send us a message and we’ll aim to get back to you within 3 working days.