Many parents contact a speech and language therapist because something about their child’s communication doesn’t feel quite right.

You might notice that your child is difficult for others to understand, is using fewer words or shorter sentences than children of the same age, or seems to struggle to follow instructions. Some children also become frustrated when they are not understood.

Every child develops at their own pace, so these signs do not always mean there is a problem. If you are unsure, you are very welcome to get in touch. I am happy to offer some initial advice to help you decide whether an assessment would be helpful.

An assessment is designed to give a clear picture of your child’s communication skills in a relaxed and supportive way.

I usually spend time playing and interacting with your child while observing how they understand language, use words and sentences, and produce speech sounds. I may also use some structured activities or simple assessments depending on your child’s age.

After the session, I provide a written report explaining what I observed, whether your child’s skills are developing as expected for their age, and whether any support or therapy would be helpful.

I work with children across the early and primary years, supporting a range of speech and language difficulties.

Many of the children I see are preschool or primary school age and may be experiencing challenges such as speech sound difficulties, delayed language development, or problems being understood by others.

If you are unsure whether your child’s age or needs are suitable, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to advise.

This varies depending on the nature of the difficulty and the individual child.

Some children benefit from a short block of sessions to help them develop specific skills. Others may need support over a longer period of time, especially if their communication needs are more complex.

During the assessment I will discuss my recommendations and explain what type of support is likely to be most helpful for your child.

No referral is needed. Parents can contact me directly to discuss their concerns or arrange an assessment.

Many families choose to seek advice privately if they would like support sooner or would like a more detailed understanding of their child’s communication.

Many families access speech and language therapy through the NHS, and this can be a valuable service. However, waiting lists can sometimes be long and the level of support available may vary depending on local resources.

Private therapy allows families to access support more quickly and often provides more flexibility in the type and frequency of support offered.

Private assessments typically include a detailed report and personalised recommendations. Therapy sessions can also be tailored closely to your child’s needs, with regular communication with parents and settings.

Some families choose private therapy to access support sooner, while others use it alongside NHS services.

No. An assessment does not commit you to ongoing therapy.

The purpose of an assessment is to understand your child’s communication skills and provide clear information about how their speech and language are developing. After the session, you will receive a written report explaining what was observed and whether any support is recommended.

In some cases, therapy may be helpful to support your child’s progress. In other situations, reassurance and some practical strategies for home or school may be all that is needed.

If therapy is recommended, we can discuss the options and decide together what would be most helpful for your child. There is no obligation to continue beyond the assessment, and many parents choose to start with an assessment simply to gain a clearer understanding of their child’s needs.

Honeypot Practice works with families across Hertfordshire and North London.

This includes Borehamwood, Radlett, St Albans, Watford, Bushey, Potters Bar, Barnet and surrounding areas.

Sessions typically take place in nurseries or schools.

Online therapy is also available, so it may be possible to work with families outside of Hertfordshire and North London. In most cases, a face to face assessment is preferable as it allows a more detailed understanding of a child’s communication skills. However, this can often be arranged as a one off assessment, with ongoing therapy delivered online if appropriate. Additional travel fees may apply depending on location.

If you are unsure whether your area is covered, please feel free to get in touch to discuss your situation.

Waiting lists are very common, both within the NHS and in private services. In some situations, a short wait can be appropriate if your child is making steady progress and there are no significant concerns.

However, if you have decided to seek private support, it is understandable to expect timely access and a clear plan. Being placed on a long or unclear waiting list can feel frustrating, particularly when you are actively trying to support your child.

If your child is becoming frustrated, difficult to understand, or not progressing as expected, earlier input can be helpful. Support does not always need to be long-term or intensive. Even a short period of targeted advice can give you clarity on what is happening and what to focus on at home.

I often work with families who want a clearer, more immediate next step, whether that is starting support now or understanding whether waiting is appropriate.