Speech Therapy for Private Clients
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Expert Speech and Language Therapy for Children and Young People
Established over 16 years ago, Chatterbug offers speech and language assessments, 1-2-1 therapy and reviews for Children and Young People (CYP) with Speech, Language, and Communication Needs (SLCN) via our clinic, home visits, in-school and online appointments.
With each child at the heart of what we do, our highly qualified Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) and Communication and Language Specialists (CALS) deliver our wrap-around service, conscientiously supporting every child, their families or caregivers together. We have a proud proven track record, with over 50,000 children benefiting from our support and services to date.
Chatterbug prides itself on undertaking an evidence-based approach that emphasises the importance of early intervention – our prompt appointment service ensures your child receives the help they need without long waiting lists.
Services
Initial Assessment
Our Speech and Language Therapists will take a case history, observe, and assess your child. They will answer any questions you have and summarise their findings along with recommendations for next steps.
You will receive a written report along with recommendations within two weeks of your assessment* (Timing may change depending on extenuating circumstances).
1:1 Therapy Sessions / Modeling Sessions
Our therapy sessions can be delivered by our Speech and Language Therapists (SLT) or experienced Communication and Language Specialists (CALS) or a combination of both depending on your child/young person’s needs.
Our team uses a wide range of therapy approaches, the specific approach is tailored to the needs of the child/young person and will incorporate a range of fun activities, talking, playing, worksheets. Where appropriate we will also use a range of visual aids to facilitate understanding and support engagement.
*Frequency and quantity may vary depending on the child’s needs.
Review Sessions
Our review sessions are required when it has been more than 6 months since the last contact or if an updated report is requested post intervention. A written report is provided within two weeks of completion.
Autism Pre-screening
Our Autism Pre-Screening Service offers a straightforward process designed to provide clarity and guidance if you suspect that a child may be autistic, yet are unsure if they should undergo a full assessment.
How It Works:
Begin by completing our user-friendly online questionnaire. This tool is designed for parents, teachers, and caregivers to identify potential signs of autism.
Once submitted, your responses are meticulously reviewed by our Specialist Speech and Language Therapists, who have extensive experience of assessing children with Autism
Based on the evaluation you will receive clear recommendations on whether a full Autism assessment is advisable
If recommended, we can help facilitate further assessments or suggest additional support services that may be beneficial for the child’s development.
Autism Assessment
Our autism assessment is currently provided by our partner organisation, Psychological Consultations Ltd, a group of experienced clinical psychologists working within the fields of mental health and neurodiversity.
Offering assessments for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), followed by reports using gold standard recommended methods that meet NICE guidelines.
All assessments will be conducted via a combination of virtual meetings and face-to-face appointments at our relaxed clinic space in Leeds.
Our Clinic
Our clinic offers four clinical rooms and a sensory space, along with a café area, reception, and waiting area. You’ll be welcomed by our Admin team with a complimentary beverage while our expert clinical team takes care of you.
We offer free onsite parking and are well located to local transport links. Explore our incredible spaces in the photo gallery!
Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:00 – Including School Holidays
Chatterbug Ltd – Unit 7, Killingbeck Court, Killingbeck Office Village, Leeds. LS14 6FD
Private Therapy Journey
During this stage, our clinical admin team will contact you to book an appointment and will ask you a range of specific questions about your child. Payment for appointments is required upfront—No appointments can be booked without payment. Please note: Our admin team does not offer any clinical advice.
This is the first consultation with the Speech and Language Therapist. These sessions are approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour long. The therapist will take a case history, observe, and assess your child. You can be in the room with your child – the therapist may engage directly with your child or observe you interacting with your child. The Therapist will allow time for questions at the end of the session and also provide feedback on recommendations and next steps.
Based on the Initial Assessment, the therapist will provide a report (included within the price of the Initial Assessment). The report captures the main areas that form communication skills as well as conclusions and recommendations. Note:- If the therapist has verbally recommended therapy for your child at the initial assessment, these sessions can be booked before the report is issued. Written reports are sent within two weeks of your assessment.
Our therapy sessions are 30 minutes long, as evidence shows that this is the optimum period of time for learning and practising new skills – children are less productive after this length of time. However, in some cases, a parent may prefer an hour-long session. This can be discussed with the therapist during the Initial Assessment, who will provide further advice.
All blocks (quantity and frequency) of therapy sessions are recommended by the therapist. During these sessions, the parent or caregiver can be present in the room. You can ask the therapist any questions during the session.
Note that therapy sessions do not include written reports.
This session is required if it has been more than 6 months since the Initial Assessment or if no therapy has been conducted. These sessions do not include therapy but do include written reports, which will be provided within two weeks.
Discharge can happen for a number of reasons
- Parent/carer feels they have all the information and tools to continue to support their child/young person’s communication development
- The child/young person has achieved their targets/goals
- The child/young person no longer has any speech, language or communication needs
FAQs
All services can be delivered onsite at our clinic in Leeds.
At child’s school (where possible)
In-person at home (where possible)
We also offer Face to Face sessions in Northwest and The Midlands* Depending on capacity.
Yes, we offer programmes designed to be delivered online throughout the UK and worldwide
The waiting period for appointments is approximately two weeks depending on availability.
This varies from person to person and depends on the targets and goals established. For some children and young people, we may set specific goals focused on increasing their vocabulary or enhancing their communication skills. For others, the emphasis may be on teaching strategies to manage communication difficulties. In either case, the Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) will discuss your personal goals and aspirations with you and collaborate to set the relevant objectives.
Our team is trained to use a wide range of evidence based therapeutic approaches. We use a varied range of activities, games, visual aids all guided by the interest of your child to make the sessions enjoyable and engaging all whilst working towards their therapy goals.
Yes, we encourage parents/cares to be with their child during the therapy sessions and where appropriate join in with the activities. This in turn gives you the opportunity to understand the activities and carry them on at home. Towards the end of the session you will also have the opportunity to ask any questions.
If you are aware of any of the following signs:
Limited Vocabulary: Smaller than average for their age.
- Difficulty Understanding when you speak to your child.
- Speech Sound Errors: Incorrect production of speech sounds.
- Stammering: Disruptions in the flow of speech.
- Frustration with Communication: Noticeable frustration during communication attempts.
- Social Skills Challenges: Difficulty interacting with others.
- Late Milestones: Delayed speech and language milestones.
- Regression: Loss of previously acquired skills.
- Family History: Speech and language disorders or developmental conditions in the family.
- Concerns from Others: Worries from teachers, childcare providers, or caregivers about your child’s development.
If you want to read more about SLCN conditions: click here.