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Speech Therapy Early Advice Drop In

The NHS Service for 0-5 year old children

Children and Young People’s Speech and Language Therapy

What is a drop-In?

Parents/carers who have concerns about their child’s speech, language and/or communication development can come along to a session and talk to a speech and language therapist.

The drop-in sessions are for children who have not yet started school, and take place across Dorset in a variety of places and groups.

If you feel your child may struggle being in a group with other children, or become distressed in new or unfamiliar places then we offer a virtual session instead.

I want to come – What next?

You will need to call our team on 01202 443200  between 10am and 2pm Monday to Friday to reserve your 20 minute time slot.

Please be aware that you will not be seen without booking beforehand.

The child must be brought to the session by someone who has parental responsibility, and the child must be registered with a Dorset GP.

Do I need to bring anything with me?

Most importantly, please bring your child, this may seem obvious but sometimes it’s not! 

Please bring along any information you have from your early years setting about what they have been doing to support your child’s communication, and any professional reports you think would be useful.

To ensure your child gains maximum benefit from the session, we request that if at all possible, other children are not brought along to the appointment.

What will happen at the session?

When you arrive, we will ask for some brief details to access your child’s NHS electronic patient record and register their attendance. We will then listen to the concerns you may have, and the therapist will spend some time with your child to find out more about their speech and language skills using age appropriate methods, such as playing with toys and games.

What will happen next?

You will be provided with some activities and strategies to do at home and to share with your nursery, preschool or childminder, which will be sent to you in the post.

You may be advised that your child's speech language and communication is age appropriate, or we may recommend local groups, activities for your child’s setting, therapy sessions, or further assessment. The next steps planned for your child will be discussed with you during the session.