Children and young peoples speech and language therapy

The Speech and Language Therapy team work together with families, colleagues and children and young people to support best outcomes for speech, language, communication and swallowing. When making a request for assistance, is it important that the person who is most concerned provides sufficient detailed information. Details on how to refer can be found below.

The Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) department consists of Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and Speech and Language Therapy Assistants (SLTAs).

We provide support to children and young people at the following three levels:

Universal:

- For all children and young people.

- Support the development of communication friendly environments.

- Promote well-being for children and young people and their families.

Targeted:

- For children more likely to be identified as having speech, language and communication needs.

- SLT provide specific advice, programmes, training workshops and support to target speech, language and communication needs.

Specialist:

- Support children whose needs cannot be met through universal or targeted support.

- SLT usually provides direct or indirect assessment and intervention, involving parents/carers and others through an asset-based approach.

Who to refer, who not to refer, how to refer

Who to refer:

Children and young people with speech, language, communication and/or swallowing needs.

Who not to refer:

Individuals over the age of 18. Individuals over this age will be supported by the Adult Team or the Adults with Learning Disabilities Team.

How to refer:

Referrals can be made by anyone who is concerned, whether this is a family member, a healthcare professional or a teacher.

If you have a specific concern about your child/a child and want to chat about them, then call us on 01896 826710 on Mondays and Wednesdays, to book a time slot to speak to one of our therapists.

If you want general advice about communication in your setting, or want to know about what training is available, then call us on 01896 826710 on Tuesdays from 1pm-4pm.

For more information or advice, visit our website: www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk/slt

Resources and links

Local resources:

NHS Borders speech and language page: paediatric

Facebook Page: Follow us on Facebook - Wee Talk Borders NHS Borders Children's Speech and Language Therapy Services

Instagram: @weetalkborders

Wee Talk Borders Toolkits:

Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)

Eating, Drinking and Swallowing (EDS)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Listening and Attention

Play and Social Skills

Speech

Stuttering/Stammering

Understanding Language

Using Spoken Language

Free printable resources

Borders Additional Needs Group (BANG) - an outreach service for parents, young carers and disabled children with rare, complex and additional needs.

National resources:

Tiny Happy People (BBC)

Michael Palin Centre - a resource for people who stammer

Stamma - a resource for people who stammer

National Autistic Society – exists to champion rights and interests of all people with autism to ensure that they and their families receive quality services appropriate to their needs

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists - this is the professional body of which all NHS Borders SLTs are members.

Local service contact details

AHP Admin team: 01896 827427

SLT: 01896 826710

Next review date: 01/09/2027

Author(s): Grace Forster, Alison Downie.

Author email(s): Grace.forster@borders.scot.nhs.uk, Alison.Downie1@borders.scot.nhs.uk.