I see children with their families/carers at a dedicated clinic in Stanmore, which has a relaxed and informal atmosphere. I work with babies and children up to 18 years of age who have difficulties in the following areas:
Children are usually seen with their parent(s) and/or other main carer(s).
Each child is assessed through skilled observation, play, standard tests and discussion with relevant professionals.
Permission from a child’s parent(s)/carer(s) is always sought before contacting other professionals.
Assessment and therapy need to be collaborative; parental/carer and teachers’ concerns are listened to very carefully.
Following assessment, my findings are discussed with (where appropriate) the child and his/her parent(s)/carer(s).
We then plan the most effective way of helping that particular child; for example, some children require weekly therapy, others a school visit.
Sometimes we try out ideas together and as long as the parents/carers are happy, we arrange a follow-up at a mutually agreed interval to enable everyone to try out strategies before reviewing the child’s progress.
My approach is flexible, being child and family centred, so that parents/carers and other staff feel they have the information and skills to help that child between our sessions.
I encourage parents to write notes for themselves.
With parental/carer consent, I sometimes use video to help demonstrate helpful strategies, types of play and so on.
A report is provided following the completion of my assessment.
Follow-up reports are written as necessary.
Where appropriate I refer families on to colleagues, such as an educational psychologist and developmental paediatrician, for further help.
I am always happy to discuss therapy with families/carers and professional staff.
I have been working as a speech and language therapist since 1974, and I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council. I am a member of both The Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists and The Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice.
Following 11 years in the NHS, I began working independently. During my career, my focus has been almost exclusively with children.
I have worked in schools and hospitals, as well as for specialist organisations, such as The Bobath Centre, for children with cerebral palsy and SENSE, for deafblind people.
April Winstock
CertMRCSLT, HCPC, MASLTIP