Selecting a Speech and Language Therapist to work with can be a daunting and challenging task. If you’re not exclusively using an NHS Speech and Language Therapist (SLT), so you’re looking for some private SLT support, it can feel like you’ve got a big decision to make. In this blog Kate, founder of We Can CommuniKate Speech & Language Therapy and the Pippin App, discusses some of the things to look out for.

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In my experience, SLTs are a friendly bunch who are dedicated to supporting children and young people to have access to a human right - to be able to communicate. Generally, we all want to do our best for the families we work with and work hard to make this a reality.

So, what might be useful to know?

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1 - The legal stuff

In the UK, all SLTs need to be registered with the Health Care Professions Council (the HCPC) to work - this is a legal requirement. We are audited by the HCPC and have to adhere to their Standards of Proficiency. Most SLTs are also registered with the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), though this is not a legal requirement.

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To call yourself a Speech and Language Therapist, you also have to have completed (and passed!) an under-graduate, post-graduate or masters degree in Speech and Language Therapy.

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So 1st thing to look is someone who has the relevant qualifications and is registered with the HCPC.

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2 - What do others say?

I’m a big fan of looking on reviews to find out what others say about a potential new service or product. I’m especially keen on recommendations from people who have actually used the service so try asking around - you’ll probably know someone who has also been to see a Speech and Language Therapist and they might be able to recommend someone to you.

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3 - How does the SLT learn?

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is something that all SLTs have to engage in. This means learning about new therapy techniques and keeping up to date with the evidence base to provide the very best care that’s as efficient and effective as possible. I’ve really noticed that some of the best SLTs I’ve worked with learn from a variety of places - they learn from families and young people who have Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN), they learn by reading journal articles, attending conferences and training days and learn through working with other SLTs.

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Ultimately, I think learning for a range of experiences and a range of people can make for an SLT who’s up to date with the evidence base but who also has some realistic understanding of what it can be like to care for someone with, or live with, SLCN.

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4 - Where does their support come from?

Another requirement is that all SLTs seek and receive supervision from another trained SLT. How the SLT uses this supervision time depends on what the SLT needs at that time, but usually an SLT will be able to tell you who they have supervision with because this is a regular arrangement. Some SLTs may also work as a part of a team, or have a local network that they can turn to for support and help.

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5 - Do you have a specific requirement in mind?

Some SLTs specialise in assessment and report writing, writing reports for EHCPs or attending tribunals, while others like to steer clear of this type of work. If you have a requirement for something, make sure you let the SLT know at the point of enquiry so you know they can meet your needs (or not!).

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Ultimately, as long as an SLT is registered with the HCPC then they will be meeting all of the above requirements, because they have to do so in order to be registered. So then it’s down to you, and if you feel that they’re a good fit for you and your family and the kind of support you feel you’d like at that moment in time.

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