Assessments / Advice & next steps
What does a speech and language therapist assess?
Communication is complex, and it is normal to worry when your child struggles. You don't need to know the 'why' yet; you just need to work with a professional who can listen to your concerns.
Quick answer
A speech and language therapist assesses communication and, where appropriately trained, eating and drinking. Depending on the referral, this may include understanding language, expressing ideas, speech sounds, social communication, fluency, voice or use of communication aids.
What this means
Assessment combines information about everyday communication with observation and selected tasks. The therapist should explain which area is being assessed and the limits of the findings. Difficulties may look different across home, school and unfamiliar clinical settings, so information from communication partners matters.
The assessment will observe how your child communicates with others. The recommendations will focus on how you and the school can create an environment that supports your child's communication style.
Many children benefit from SLT advice without needing a private assessment. Often, NHS SLTs work in partnership with schools to provide strategies that teachers can use every day.
Questions to ask
What precise communication area is being assessed? • How will information from different settings be used? • What practical follow-up is included?
Local Northamptonshire route
Current NHS, education and private routes may differ. Check with school, GP or the provider and use the relevant North Northamptonshire or West Northamptonshire Local Offer rather than relying on old referral details.
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
A registered therapist is appropriate for specialist communication or swallowing assessment. Private work is optional; confirm costs, report and follow-up before booking.
What happens next?
Translate advice into changes in real communication environments and agree a review point with family, school and therapist where involved.
Support that may help
HCPC-registered Speech and Language Therapist, School SENCO.
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.