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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.     

Dorset North & West Ready STEADI Chat Timetable

Location

Address

Date & Time

Blandford opportunities Group Williams Opportunity Hall, Whitecliff Gardens, Blandford Forum DT11 7BU 20/04/2023 9.30-11.30
Dandelions Preschool Downlands school, College Road,Blandford Forum, DT11 8BG 28/04/2023 1-3pm
Gillingham Library Chantry Fields, Gillingham SP8 4UA 27/04/2023 09.30-11.30
Littlemoor Health Centre Louviers Rd, Weymouth DT3 6SA 18/04/2023 09:30-11:30
Maiden Newton Preschool Children's Centre, Chilfrome Ln, Maiden Newton DT2 0AX 19/04/2023 12:00- 2:00
Portland Children's Centre Outlooks, Castle Rd, Portland DT5 1AU 26/04/2023 09.30-11.30
Sherborne Childrens Centre Tinneys Ln, Sherborne DT9 3DY 21/04/2023 09:30-11:30
Swanage Children's Centre Chapel Lane, Swanage, BH19 2PW 19/04/2023 1.00-3.00
Wareham Children's Centre Streche Road, Wareham, BH20 4PG 17/04/2023 09.30-11.30
Weymouth Library Great George Street, Weymouth DT4 8NN 21/04/2023 09.30-11.30

Dorset East & Central Ready STEADI Chat Timetable

Location Address Date & Time
Boscombe Family Hub 22 Ashley Close, Boscombe, BH1 4PE 19/04/2023 13.00-14.30
    26/04/2023 13.00-14.30
Boscombe Family Hub 22 Ashley Close, Boscombe, BH1 4PE 21/04/2023 09:30-11:30
    28/04/2023 09:30-11:30
Kinson and West Howe Children's Centre Moore Avenue, Bournemouth BH11 8AU 21/04/2023 09.30-11.30
    28/04/2023 09.30-11.30
Old Town Children's Centre Green Road, Poole, BH15 1QB 21/04/2023 09.00-11.00
    28/04/2023 09.00-11:00
Rossmore Family Centre Herbert Ave, Poole BH12 4HR 17/04/2023 09.00-11:30
    24/04/2023 09.00-11:30
Somerford Children's Centre Draper Road, Christchurch , BH23 3AS 21/04/2023 13.00-14.30
    28/04/2023 13.00-14.30
Townsend Children's Centre Jewell Road, Bournemouth BH8 0LT 18/04/2023 09.30-11.30
    25/04/2023 09.30-11.30
Turlin Moor Children's Centre Turlin Road, Turlin Moor, Poole BH16 5AH 18/04/2023 12.30-14.30
    25/04/2023 12.30-14.30
Verwood Library 1 Manor Road, Verwood BH31 6DS 27.04.2023 10.00-12.00
Wimborne Children's Centre Gordon Road, Wimborne Minster, BH21 2AP 18/04/2023 Fully Booked
Family access