Signposting and advice
- You can find information on the NHS Children and Young People’s Therapy Service here
- You can look up information in our Fact Files for Early Years or for School-age and any relevant advice sheets.
- If you need further advice, phone the CYPTS Advice Line on 0303 033 3002 – open 9am to 12pm Monday to Thursday (not available on Bank Holidays)
If the child or young person’s skills are within the normal range, they will be monitored to check that development continues, and referral can be reconsidered if needed in the future.
If the child or young person’s skills are delayed follow the advice from the fact files or the Advice Line Therapist.
- If progress is made, there is no need for referral.
- If progress is not made, phone the advice line above to discuss with a therapist or refer directly.
If the difficulty needs immediate referral, then refer directly to the service. An example could be difficulties following a brain injury, a significant difficulty with eating or drinking, or an emerging stammer. You can find guidance in the fact files or this may be recommended when you phone the advice line.
Referrals
Anyone can refer a child provided they have discussed with the parent or carer and gained their consent.
- Practitioners can refer on an Early Help Assessment form (send the referral to CYPTSreferrals@sompar.nhs.uk).
- Parents should use the referral form on the NHS website here
If the referral is for a child’s eating and drinking, please also complete and attach the form Additional information to support a feeding referral. If the referral is from a school or pre-school for communication needs, please also attach the form ‘Communication Competencies’
Referral information is considered by a Speech and Language Therapist who also discusses with an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist so more than one therapy need may be considered depending on the needs outlined in the referral
If the referral is not accepted – A letter is sent to the referrer and parents explaining reasons and giving advice if relevant. Advice sheets are sent if appropriate for parents or school or pre-school to try. A re-referral may be needed in the future
Referral accepted for an initial assessment appointment – Parents are sent a letter (copy also sent to the referrer) asking them to contact the service to book an appointment.