Child Speech & Language Therapy Sessions

Thank you for choosing Lycali. This page explains what information we need before your child's speech and language therapy sessions begin, and what to expect during the first few appointments. Therapy is personalised and may include goal setting, therapy planning, informal assessment, parent/carer guidance and regular review of progress.

At a Glance

Step 1 – Developmental History Questionnaire Step 2 – Speech & Language Questionnaire Step 3 – First Therapy Session Step 4 – Therapy Plan & Targets Step 5 – Ongoing Therapy & Review Need Help?
1

Child Developmental History Questionnaire

Please complete the developmental history questionnaire before your child's first therapy session. This provides important background information about your child's development, communication, education, health, family background, strengths and day-to-day functioning.

This helps the therapist understand your child's communication journey and any wider factors that may be relevant to therapy planning.

Complete Developmental History Questionnaire
2

Speech, Language & Communication Questionnaire

Please also complete the Speech, Language & Communication Questionnaire before therapy begins. This helps us understand your child's current communication strengths, areas of difficulty and priorities for support.

This questionnaire may explore:
  • Speech sound development
  • Understanding of language
  • Use of spoken language
  • Attention and listening
  • Social communication
  • Conversation skills
  • Functional communication
  • Confidence communicating with others
  • Communication at home and in education
Complete Speech, Language & Communication Questionnaire
3

First Therapy Session

The first therapy session focuses on getting to know your child, understanding their communication profile and identifying priorities for support.

The therapist will review the information provided in the questionnaires and discuss your child's strengths, current challenges, previous support and the outcomes that are most important to your child and family.

During the first session we may:
  • Discuss your child's communication strengths and areas of need
  • Explore concerns raised by parents, carers or educational staff
  • Observe communication during play, conversation or structured activities
  • Identify functional communication goals
  • Agree priorities for intervention
  • Provide initial advice and strategies
  • Begin developing a therapy plan
If a recent Speech and Language Therapy assessment has not been completed

The therapist may recommend that a formal assessment is completed before therapy begins, particularly where there are unclear or complex needs.

In some cases, the first few therapy sessions may be used to complete informal assessment activities, observations and baseline measures. This helps ensure that therapy targets are appropriate, current and tailored to your child's needs.
4

Therapy Plan & Target Setting

Following the first session, the therapist will develop a therapy plan based on your child's individual needs, current skills and agreed priorities.

Therapy targets will be designed to be functional, meaningful and relevant to your child's everyday communication.

Targets may focus on:
  • Speech sounds and clarity
  • Understanding instructions and spoken language
  • Using longer or clearer sentences
  • Vocabulary development
  • Word finding
  • Narrative and storytelling skills
  • Attention and listening
  • Social communication
  • Conversation skills
  • Functional communication in everyday settings

Parents and carers will be involved in understanding the therapy goals and how to support practice between sessions.

5

Ongoing Therapy & Review

Ongoing therapy sessions will follow the agreed therapy plan, while remaining flexible to your child's progress, confidence and changing needs.

Therapy may include:
  • Direct therapy with your child
  • Parent/carer coaching and advice
  • Home practice activities
  • School-based recommendations
  • Speech sound intervention
  • Language intervention
  • Social communication support
  • Communication-friendly strategies
  • Review and adjustment of therapy targets

Goals will be reviewed regularly to monitor progress and ensure therapy remains meaningful, achievable and relevant to everyday life.

Where appropriate, liaison with nurseries, schools, colleges or other professionals may be recommended to support generalisation of skills across different environments.

Need Help?

If you are unsure which forms to complete, require assistance accessing documentation or would like further information regarding Speech and Language Therapy, please contact the Lycali team.

Email: info@lycali.co.uk
Website: www.lycali.co.uk

For more detailed information about appointments, timescales and what to expect, please refer to your What to Expect Guide.