Services

assessments

The initial assessment is

the first step in understanding your child’s needs and setting the foundation for their support journey

It can be conducted in a variety of settings, including your home, nursery, school, or even virtually, ensuring flexibility to suit your preferences and circumstances.

Prior to the assessment

we ask you to complete our online forms to ensure a comprehensive picture of your child is obtained

During the assessment, which can last up to one and a half hours,

the therapist will observe your child, play, complete informal/formal assessment and gather key information

to create an accurate picture of their abilities and areas for enhancement.

Following the assessment

You will receive verbal feedback on the findings immediately,

with written advice and strategies to support the next steps of your child’s communication journey. A comprehensive summary report outlining the key observations, potential areas for development, and further recommendations can be provided upon request. This thorough process helps to ensure a tailored approach to your child’s needs moving forward.

Our mission

To empower children and their carers to transform lives

through effective communication, dedicated to supporting children, parents, carers and professionals in the development of speech, language and communication skills.

areas we cover in the north east

Darlington | Bishop Auckland | Durham | Newcastle | Gateshead | Hexham | Yarm | Stockton | Teesside | Corbridge | Stocksfield | Prudhoe | Consett

Including close surrounding areas

frequently asked questions

  • Speech and Language Therapists are fully qualified professionals who assess, diagnose and treat speech, language, communication and swallowing problems. Speech and Language Therapists are trained to work with both children and adults and aim to maximise each individual’s potential to communicate. A Speech and Language Therapist will work with the client, their family and other professionals to achieve the best possible care. Speech and Language Therapists work in a range of settings including, schools, homes, hospitals and clinics.

    All our Speech and Language therapists are fully qualified and are registered with the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC), and are members of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT).

  • Speech and language therapy benefits anyone who has a speech, language, communication or swallowing difficulty. Speech and language therapy helps children and adults of all ages and abilities. Speech and language therapy can also provide education, training and support for families, friends and other professionals who are involved in the client’s care.

  • At Speech Buddies we can treat a variety of conditions which impact upon speech, language and communication. Common conditions or areas of need we treat include:

    • Neurodiversity

    • Autism Spectrum disorder

    • Learning difficulties

    • Hearing loss and impairment

    • Language delay/disorder

    • Speech delay/ disorder

    • Communication problems

  • Treatment at Speech Buddies will offer a specialised service to help individuals with speech, language, and communication needs.

    Speech and language therapy treatment will start with an initial assessment. An initial assessment will help to identify if a client has a speech, language, or communication difficulty and also the severity of their difficulty.

    The Speech and Language Therapist will then decide what the best method of treatment will be for that client. The type of treatment given will vary for each individual and depend on their specific needs and abilities.

  • The type of treatment given will depend on the specific needs and abilities of each client. Our Speech and Language Therapists offer individualised treatment plans for each client, which will be tailored to their specific needs and abilities.

    We do not have a set number of treatment sessions for our clients. An initial assessment will help us to determine what type of treatment to give and also the duration and number of sessions needed. Treatment can be once a week, however this may be more or less depending on the severity and type of speech, language and communication difficulty.

  • At Speech Buddies we provide a service to suit the needs and requirements of our clients. Assessment and therapy sessions take place in home or education settings. We do not work from a clinic base, the service is delivered directly to you at your preferred location.

  • Yes. The earlier a client is treated for a speech, language or communication difficulty the better. It is well researched that early intervention is highly beneficial for individuals with speech, language and communication difficulties.

    Due to longer waiting lists in the NHS, regular intervention is sometimes not possible. At Speech Buddies we do do not hold waiting lists and aim to see clients at a time and place best suited to their needs and requirements. You can see a private Speech and Language Therapist whilst on an NHS waiting list, or see us whilst also receiving NHS treatment. Having private treatment will not affect your NHS entitlement in any way. We work collaboratively with your NHS Speech and Language Therapist t provide consistent and continuous care.

  • No, we can accept referrals from any source. Common referral sources include self-referrals and referrals from family members.

  • There are no waiting lists for our speech and language therapy services; we aim to see all of our clients at a time and place to suit them and as soon as possible after an initial enquiry.

  • You can book an appointment by clicking HERE

  • Darlington

    Bishop Auckland

    Durham

    Newcastle

    Gateshead

    Hexham

    Yarm

    Stockton

    Teesside

    Corbridge

    Stocksfield

    Prudhoe

    Consett

    Including close surrounding areas.