Speech & Language Therapy at WCPS

The Family Treatment Service is pleased to return to Wimbledon Common Preparatory School offering Speech & Language screening assessments to all children in reception in the autumn term.

We are a private multidisciplinary practice based in Wimbledon Village bringing together experts from a broad range of areas including Speech & Language Therapy (SALT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Educational Psychology (EP).

The development of language and speech is pivotal in all aspects of learning. Early intervention is key and WCPS is keen to identify any children who may benefit from this type of support as soon as possible so that the right interventions can be offered in partnership with you as parents and the school to help your child maximise his potential. Our team of experienced Speech & Language Therapists will screen all children in reception within the first term. This will enable us to identify if any child requires targeted speech and language support within the school setting.

The screening assessments will take place in school and cost £150. Complete the registration form by clicking below.

What to Expect

Before

After you have registered, you will be asked to complete an online parent questionnaire for background information. Your child’s teacher will also be asked to complete a brief questionnaire indicating any areas that they consider may require investigation.

During

Our clinicians will assess your child’s language, speech and communication; whilst making informal observations about areas such as their attention and listening, expressive and receptive language, use of non-verbal language, interaction, turn taking etc. Your child will be made to feel as comfortable as possible, and the assessments will include motivating and fun activities.

After

Our clinicians will write a brief summary report detailing the outcome of the assessment. This will be sent to you and the school within two weeks of the assessment. If appropriate, they will recommend on-going support for your child or a further in-depth assessment. If you have any concerns our clinicians will be available for a follow-up call to discuss the report.

Fees

Screening Assessment - £150

If your child is identified as requiring additional speech & language support, our clinicians are available for in-school therapy sessions which are billed at £120 for 30 minutes or £160 for 45 minutes. Our clinicians can discuss this with you following their screening assessment and these can be booked in via our reception.

Our Team

Our team of Speech and Language Therapist are all highly qualified and experienced. They are also registered with the The Health and Care Professions Council (the regulator of health and care professions in the UK) and the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

Helen Fielder

Helen has over 30 years experience working with preschool and primary aged children with a wide range of speech and language difficulties. Working closely with parents and key staff, Helen aims to improve children’s speech and language skills whilst keeping therapy fun, practical, motivating and stimulating. Helen’s special interests are in autism spectrum disorder, social communication difficulties and developmental language disorder.

Clare Furneaux

Clare is a highly experienced speech and language therapist with over 10 years experience working in the private and public sector (NHS and private practices). She works with children and young people aged 4-16 years old who present with a range of speech, language and communication needs. Clare is passionate about supporting children and young people to develop their language skills so they can build their confidence communicating with a range of people in a variety of settings.

Keri Forbes

Keri works as a Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist across early years settings, primary mainstream schools and special schools. She supports children and young people with a variety of communication difficulties. Keri has a particular interest in working with children and young people with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and those with social communication and emotional regulation difficulties. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The school is forward thinking and are very aware that early intervention with speech and language is key. They are keen to identify any children who may benefit from this type of support as soon as possible so that the right interventions can be offered in partnership with you as parents and the school to help your child maximise his potential.

  • No. This is not advised for the screening assessment, but if your child does need therapy it may well be recommended that you attend at least some of the sessions to ensure carry over at home.

  • You don’t have to tell your child anything if you think it will make them anxious. All the children in reception will be doing this so it will be part of the normal school experience. If you do want to say something you can say they will see someone friendly who is going to show them some pictures, find out more about what they like and play a game or two.

  • You will be advised of this on the report and have an opportunity to e-mail the clinician to find out more and can then book a more detailed assessment session leading to therapy sessions, if required.