Overview
Speech and Language Therapy helps children with their understanding and talking.
We work with children, families, carers and staff in pre-schools and schools, to help children’s communication skills. We give practical advice and support through training for families, teachers and staff.
We also provide support for children with swallowing difficulties.
The current average waiting time for the Children’s Speech and Language Therapy service is 18.9 weeks (please note however this could change during the pandemic).
Using this service
You can contact us directly to ask more or to discuss a referral for your child. Simply call us on 0300 330 5777 or visit one of our drop-in sessions if you have a pre-school child. You can also talk to your doctor, health visitor or member of staff from your child’s pre-school or school, who can refer your child or speak to us for you.
Referral email address: bromh.cccpod5refs@nhs.net
Who do we see?
This service is open to children and young people registered with a Bromley GP living in the borough of Bromley.
We support children and young people with Speech, language and communication needs. We also work with children and young people with eating and drinking (swallowing) difficulties.
- School age children and young people
Speech and Language Therapy – Children and Young People leaflet
- Pre school children
Speech and language assessment for pre-school children leaflet
More information
Babies’ communication skills develop from birth. They will let you know if they are hungry or uncomfortable by crying. They learn to look at faces and will smile as we talk to them. Over time they begin to understand the words we say. Babies enjoy making babble sounds too and will usually say their first words at 12-18 months.
Toddlers develop their listening skills and begin to understand a growing number of single words and simple phrases. They start to put two or more words together in small sentences.
Three year olds understand more difficult words (e.g. position words like under). By four years they enjoy listening to simple stories, will use longer sentences and ask many questions. Some speech sounds are still difficult for them to say.
Children continue to make progress with their understanding and talking throughout their school years. The ability to engage in two-way conversations is also key for developing a wider circle of friendships in different social situations.
If you are worried about your child’s speech and language talk to us directly on 0300 330 5777, or talk to your child’s health visitor, GP, pre-school or school. Find out more about your child’s speech and language development here.
Find out more about…
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) / Aspergers Syndrome
Cerebral palsy
Cleft lip and palate
Down’s syndrome
Dyslexia
Dyspraxia
Epilepsy
Glue ear
Hearing impairment (deafness)
Children with learning difficulties
Stammering
Useful information
Talking point
General information about children’s speech and language development.
Afasic
Information and support for children and young people with speech and language impairments, and their families.
I can
Information about speech & language impairment for parents, and training and advice for professionals.
British Dyslexia Association
Advice, information and help for families, professionals and individuals with dyslexia.
British Stammering Association
Information and support on stammering.
Bromley Mencap
A charity working with disabled people and their families and carers in Bromley.
Burgess Autistic Trust
A charity working with children, young people and adults with Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Bromley.
Communication Matters
A national voluntary organisation of members concerned with augmentative and alternative communication.
Downs Syndrome Association
A national voluntary organisation of members concerned with augmentative and alternative communication.
Kent Community Health – Children’s Therapies – The Pod
KCH provide a range of advice and strategies for children with speech and language difficulties.
National Autistic Society
Providing information and advice for parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders.
National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS)
A charity giving support, advice and information for families of deaf children and those working with them.
Royal College of Speech & Language Therapists
The professional organisation for speech and language therapists.
Scope
The UK charity for cerebral palsy.
Speechlink
SLCN screening, assessmentent, intervention and support
Leaflets
Speech and Language Therapy – Children and Young People leaflet
Speech and Language assessment for pre-school children leaflet
Resources for parents
Chatterpack
Free speech, language and communication resources for teachers, parents and carers.
The Communication Trust
Resources to encourage listening, understanding, interaction and play.
Handout on SALT apps for tablet and smartphone (PDF)
For professionals
Patients can be referred via the Single Point of Entry form on EMIS.
Alternatively, patients can self-refer by calling the Care Co-ordination Centre on 0300 330 5777 or by emailing bromh.cccpod5@nhs.net
Service Lead: Amber Copsey
Training videos for professionals –
Dysphagia training 2.0