Before Starting a Request For Support

This request for support may take around 10-15 minutes to complete. The information you provide helps us make sure that your child gets the support which best meets their needs.

You cannot save the request once you have started.

• Information for the Request

  You will need the following information in order to complete the request form:

  • Your child’s full name, date of birth, home address and NHS number (if known)
  • Your contact details
  • Details of your child's nursery, pre-school or early years setting (if they attend one)
  • Details of your concerns around your child's speech and language
  • Names and contact details of any other professionals involved.

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  Is there a different way I can get support for my child?

  If you feel unable to complete the request for support, you can ask for support from your child's nursery, pre-school or early years setting or any other professional working with your family.

  You can also call our Just One Number service on 0300 300 0123 to speak to a speech and language therapist.

  Will other professionals be involved in supporting my child with their speech, language and communication development?

  Absolutely – our speech and language therapists will continue to work closely with early years settings and other professionals. Where appropriate, we will share what advice and resources were identified in your child's Early Advice Session.

  Where can professionals get further advice?

  You can call Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 for advice and support from a speech and language therapist. 

  I would like to make a request for support on behalf of a child or family I am working with. How do I do this?

  If you are a professional and would like to request a support on behalf of a parent or carer who is unable to, please contact Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 to discuss this further.    

What Happens Next?

After you have submitted your request for support and our team have reviewed the information, you will be sent a text message inviting you to book an Early Advice Session video call with a Speech and Language Therapist.

Within seven working days of booking, you will be sent a link to your Early Advice Session. Early Advice Sessions are via video call.

During the session, a Speech and Language Therapist will meet you and your child and will listen to your concerns.

The therapist will offer advice to support your child's communication and will discuss whether any further support is needed.

You will be given a clear plan of any further steps. If no further support is needed at the moment, details of how and when to request further support will be provided.

• Early Advice Sessions

  What will happen during the Early Advice Session?

  The video call will take no longer than 30 minutes and will be an opportunity for the Speech and Language Therapist to meet your child and to hear about your concerns. The Speech and Language Therapist will give advice and support and signpost to training and resources. They will also discuss whether any further Speech and Language Therapy support is required at this time.

  What happens after an Early Advice Session?

  For some children, advice provided on ideas and activities to do at home or in their early years setting will be all that is needed. For others, a more detailed assessment or a modelling/coaching session may be needed. These sessions can take place in the home, in their setting or virtually, depending on individual need.

  For all children there will be a clear plan of next steps and, if no further support is required, then an explanation of how and when to request further support will be provided.

  What happens if I don't attend the Early Advice Session?

  Early Advice Sessions are the main way to accessing pre-school support from Speech and Language Therapy. If you do not attend the session, then the request for support may be closed.

  Can professionals join the Early Advice Session with me?

  If you would like extra support to access an Early Advice Session, then a professional (with parental consent) is welcome to join the call with you.