Experiences of moving areas and speech therapy/unit

[Emmum80]

Hi! Very long (and slightly frustrating) story short our 3.5 year old has a speech (probably phonological) disorder which makes him incredibly difficult to understand. He has weekly speech therapy via our local area which started when he was 3. There is a strong chance he will need to go to a specialist speech unit for primary school. We are looking to move and had previously had our heart set on oxted. BUT this was before we realised the level of support ds would need and it means moving out of Bromley where we have been through long waiting times. Does anyone have any experience of moving areas and the resulting impact? Did it mean being put at the end of the waiting list again? Not getting the same level of support? Our priority is ds’ education but we don’t want to throw away plans of where we move if it won’t be an issue and the services are good there. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

I'm a SALT (although not in your child's area of needs) and yes if we get a referral, regardless of circs, they go to the bottom of the list. The fact you've been receiving treatment elsewhere doesn't mean anything really. The need alone could be triaged a priority and you'd be seen quicker but not always. Service differs in area too - weekly therapy won't be offered everywhere (hardly ever to be honest!)

There used to be a language unit at Downham. Does it still exist?

If you move to Oxted, you could seek for DS to go to Moor House as a day pupil - it’s a specialist speech and language school. It used to go from age 7, when it was residential only - you would have to ask when day pupils can start?

SLT here. In my area (North) you d go to top of list as case open elsewhere so identified risk. We would offer weekly therapy depending on need but have no 'units'. Just goes to show you provision varies massively and you need to research well before moving

I work in this field and in this exact area- am happy to advise further!

Thank you so much for all your responses. Very helpful. We’ve decided to stick to Bromley area. @lyingonthesofa I would be interested to know what your thoughts are (in case house purchase falls through!) what’s the next way to get in touch with you?

@Emmum80 you're welcome to message me any time.

@Emmum80 if you have a look at state primaries in Bletchingley you can find me there!