Children’s Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) – Supporting Communication and Feeding Needs 

The Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) Service helps babies, children, and young people who have difficulties with speech, language, communication, or eating and drinking. Therapists work closely with families, schools, colleges and other professionals to help children develop the skills they need to communicate confidently and take part in everyday life. 

What SALT Can Help With 

• Speech sounds – when children struggle to pronounce certain sounds or be clearly understood 

• Language development – support for children who find it hard to understand words, follow instructions, or express themselves 

• Social communication – help with conversation skills, turn-taking, eye contact, and making friends 

• Stammering – strategies and support for children who stutter 

• Voice difficulties – support with voice quality, pitch, or vocal strain 

• Feeding and swallowing – help for children who have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or need modified diets 

• Additional needs – support for children with autism, learning disabilities, or physical/medical conditions that affect communication 

How SALT Works 

• Assessment – a therapist will assess your child’s communication or feeding needs 

• Therapy – may include 1:1 sessions, group work, or programmes delivered at home or in school 

• Advice and training – therapists guide parents, carers, and school staff with strategies to use every day 

• Partnership working – SALTs contribute to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and collaborate with teachers and other professionals 

Why SALT Is Important 

• Supports learning, friendships, and emotional wellbeing 

• Early help can prevent small difficulties from becoming bigger challenges 

• Therapy builds confidence, independence, and helps children thrive in school/college and daily life 

How to Access the Service 

Children can be referred by: 

• A GP, health visitor, paediatrician, school SENDCo, or other health professional 

• In some cases, parents and carers can self-refer, depending on the child’s age and type of difficulty 

Therapy may be offered in: 

• Schools, clinics, children’s centres, or at home, depending on your child’s needs 

Contact (Herefordshire SALT Service): 
Speech and Language Therapy Team, Wye Valley NHS Trust – 01432 363975 

https://www.wyevalley.nhs.uk/visitors-and-patients/county-hospital-acute/a-z-departments/speech-and-language-therapy.aspx