Who Are We?
CISLT is a specialist Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) service supporting children and young people with a wide range of complex communication needs. Our experienced team delivers evidence-informed, neurodiversity-affirming assessment and intervention. Our complex needs team is primarily based at our Wickford Complex Needs Hub, a purpose-designed setting that provides a play-based, sensory-appropriate environment to support engagement and communication development. We also offer a number of sessions at our Chelmsford clinic to ensure flexibility and accessibility for families.
Our Services
EHCP Assessment and Reporting
We provide comprehensive Speech and Language Therapy assessments as part of the Education, Health and Care Plan
(EHCP) process. This includes:
- Detailed evaluation of communication strengths and needs
- Functional communication assessment across environments e.g. clinic, school, home as required.
- Clear, legally robust reports with tailored recommendations
- Ongoing attendance at EHCP meetings where required (additional fees apply)
Specialist Approaches to Complex Communication Needs
We use a range of specialist approaches tailored to each individual, including:
- Natural Language Acquisition/ Gestalt Language Processing (GLP): Supporting individuals who develop language in chunks or scripts,
- helping them progress toward more flexible, self-generated language.
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): We assess, implement, and support both:
- High-tech AAC (e.g. speech-generating devices, communication apps)
- Low-tech AAC (e.g. communication boards, visuals, symbol systems) - Individualised strategies and therapy to support understanding, expressive language, and social communication
Therapy and Support Options
We offer flexible service delivery to meet a range of needs:
- 1:1 Therapy Sessions - Personalised intervention tailored to the client’s communication profile and goals.
- School Visits - In-school assessments, therapy, and collaboration with staff to embed strategies in everyday learning
- Specialist Training - Training for parents, carers, and professionals on complex needs, communication support, AAC, and language development approaches
Our Team Approach
We are proud to have a specialist complex needs SLT team. To ensure high-quality, responsive support:
- Clients may work with different therapists at different stages of their journey
- This team-based model provides access to a broader range of expertise
- All therapists collaborate closely to maintain consistency and continuity of care
Our Commitment
At CISLT, we are committed to:
- Delivering person-centred, respectful, and neurodiversity-affirming care
- Empowering individuals to communicate in ways that work best for them
- Supporting families, schools, and professionals to create inclusive communication environments
A child who is a GLP learns language in chunks at a time; rather than as single words, phrases and sentences as the typically developing population do.
Often, GLPs use “scripts” to communicate, which can take the form of language they have heard from the people around them, or in popular media such as television.
If your child is struggling to develop their language skills, our thorough assessment will determine if they are a GLP and would benefit from a specialist therapy approach. Assessments are carried out in our Rayleigh clinic, and include an additional home or school visit for us to gain a comprehensive understanding of how your child communicates.
Our initial assessment is followed up with special clinical analysis, support and planning. As a parent, you will be given a clearly-written handbook for further reference.
CISLT Complex Needs Services
Assessment:
Initial assessment: £150.00
Approx. 60 mins. Including:
- A detailed case history
- Informal assessment
- Liaison with family members, carers and key professionals as required.
- Advice and recommendations
- Written recommendations (200 words max)
Initial assessment + Summary Report: £340.00
Approx. 60 mins. Including:
- A detailed case history
- Informal assessment
- Liaison with family members, carers and key professionals as required.
- Advice and recommendations
- Assessment Summary (500 words max)
Other Services for Children
Formal Language Assessment and Report Writing: £700
Includes:
- Detailed case history
- Up to 1.5 hours of assessment, including formal assessment.
- Liaison with family members, carers and key professionals as required.
- Advice and recommendations
- Formal report which can be used as evidence for an EHCP application (1500 words max)
Gestalt Language Processing Assessment: £185
This can only follow an initial assessment.
Includes:
- 2 x 30-minute sessions to gather language samples.
- 1 hour for the Speech and Language Therapist to transcribe and analyse language samples against the Natural Language Acquisition (NLA) framework.
- Personalised treatment planning.
Intervention:
Clinic based therapy session: £75.00
Approx. 45 mins. Inclusive of note writing and administration.
Home based therapy session: £85.00
Approx. 45 mins. Inclusive of note writing and administration.
Nursery/school visit session: £85.00
Approx. 45 mins. Inclusive of note writing and administration.
Attendance at meetings/ case conferences: £85.00 per hour, pro rata.
Inclusive of note writing and administration time.
Communication device setup session: £75.00 per 45 minute session.
45 minutes with the Speech and Language Therapist, to set up a personalised communication device to use within therapy and at home or school. Includes additional note writing.
Visual Resources Creation: £75.00 per hour
Includes:
Communication boards and books, visual timetables, symbols, classroom visuals.
Any additional work undertaken: £75.00 per hour.
Additional reports:
Summary report (500 words max): £200.00
Includes:
- Assessment summary
- Recommendations for next steps
Formal report (to be used for EHCP or formal proceedings): £400.00
- Background information.
- Detailed assessment summary.
- Recommendations, suggested strategies and activities.
- Recommendation of provision.
Travel costs for home or school visits:
+ £12.50 per session if visit is 0-5 miles from the clinic (Rayleigh: Unit 2 Kingsleigh House, 17 High Street, Rayleigh, SS6 7EW or Chelmsford: Suite 3, 158 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford CM2 0LD)
+ £17.50 per session is visit is 6-10 miles from clinic (address shown above)
+ £17.50 + mileage if visit is 10-15 miles or more from the clinic (address shown above)
Over 15 miles from clinic, travel will be priced at £50 per hour of travelling, pro rata.
To discuss your needs in detail, please contact us or to book an appointment, click on the link below.
