Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy services for families in Southend

Speech and Language Therapy

The universal offer to families and how to access

  • SALT (Speech and Language Therapy) advice line: access on-the-spot advice for specific queries or general signposting - available Monday to Friday 9:30am to 11:30am. Voicemail facility for outside of staffed hours. Call 01702 578601.
  • Speech and Language Therapy webpage with a range of universal advice and resources.
  • Speech and Language Therapy information on the Essex Early Years Padlet and Primary Aged Padlet.
  • Verbo is available to all early years providers including screening tools and resources. Please speak to your child's setting for more information.
  • Access to free Super Penguin app for families with bespoke universal/waiting well advice they can access via their smartphone. Families will be given an access QR code from the service (e.g. from discussions had via our access to advice line or video conference triage)

The targeted offer to families and how to access

  • Video conference triage appointments (20 minutes in length) by invite only from referral accepted into service. Relevant referrals are allocated to a video conference appointment, and this is booked directly with parents/carers via text invitation.
  • Mini Talkers – A targeted speech and language stay and play session run by Southend-on-Sea Council Early Years Team. Please note this offer is in a pilot phase in January 2026 before possible further roll out. Accessed by Health Visitor referral only.

The specialist offer to families and how to access

  • Referrals to Speech and Language Therapy can be made by your health visitor or GP. Specialist assessment and interventions will be provided as required. Contact your health visitor or GP to make a referral.
  • Contribution to the Education Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) process for cases open to the service (for cases not known to the service, advice on the service's universal offer provided). Contribution to the annual review process for pre-school children open to the service who already have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in place. Requests by the local authority made via our central email address: slt.educationenquiries@nhs.net