Further information on Ready STEADI Chat Sessions
What is a ready steadi chat session?
Parents/carers who have concerns about their child’s speech, language and/or communication development can book a session to talk to a speech and language therapist either in person or virtually. The sessions are pre-booked and take place within two weeks.
Our sessions are for children who have not yet started school and can take place virtually, or face to face in various locations around Dorset.
I want to come – what next?
The virtual sessions take place on various days. A speech and language therapist will talk to you about your concerns, watch your child play and communicate, and will provide you with advice and ideas for supporting your child’s speech, language and communication skills.
We also have some face to face sessions across the county. Once you have chosen which session suits you and your child, please call the booking team to reserve your place. 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 have anything prepared or bring anything with me?
Please have to hand 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 a session, we request that if at all possible, other children are not brought along to any sessions.
What do I need to know about a virtual session?
You will receive an email when booking your place which contains a link you need.
10 minutes before your booked session, click on the link and you will enter the Attend Anywhere Waiting Room, where you will be able to follow simple instructions and enter your details. Please enter your child’s name rather than your own as it ensures the therapist can quickly identify you in the online waiting area.
The therapist will start the call for you, and they will listen to the concerns you may have, and if needed will interact with your child over the video call in a fun and interactive way.
What do I need to know about a face-to-face session?
It is really important to turn up on time to the session. You will have been allocated a specific time slot and unfortunately this cannot be extended due to lateness as the next family will be waiting to be seen.
We will 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.