Assessments / Advice & next steps
Preparing for a speech and language assessment
Preparing for an assessment can feel overwhelming, but you do not need to know the 'right' professional immediately. Start by focusing on the specific communication challenges you want to better understand.
Quick answer
Prepare for a speech and language assessment by clarifying the communication concern, gathering examples from home and education, and telling the therapist about language, sensory or accessibility needs. Do not rehearse answers; the therapist needs a representative picture of how the child understands and communicates.
What this means
The assessment may include conversation, observation, play or structured tasks, depending on age and the question. It can explore understanding, expression, speech sounds, social communication, fluency, voice or eating and drinking within the therapist’s scope. Ask what information is needed and how school observations will be included.
Different professionals look at different areas. A speech and language therapist focuses on communication—both understanding and expression—in functional contexts. Being clear about why you are seeking the assessment helps you choose the right path, whether through the NHS, school, or independent providers.
Check local, free routes first. Schools often have established pathways to access NHS speech and language support. Investigating these routes through your Local Offer or school SENCO is the recommended starting point before considering private options.
Questions to ask
Which area of communication will be assessed? • How will home, school and the child’s views be included? • What report and follow-up will we receive?
Local Northamptonshire route
Referral routes can be NHS, education or private and may change. Confirm the current pathway with school, GP or the provider and use the appropriate North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire Local Offer. SEND Lantern’s speech and language page explains local route checks.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Private assessment is optional. Check that a speech and language therapist is HCPC registered and ask whether the fee includes the report, feedback and follow-up.
What happens next?
Review recommendations in everyday settings and agree who will implement them. Ask how progress will be measured and when reassessment is appropriate.
Support that may help
School SENCO; SENDIASS; Speech and Language Therapists (HCPC registered); Educational Psychologists.
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.