A pioneering partnership which sees local Speech and Language Therapists working in local schools and nurseries across Forth Valley is delivering some of the lowest waiting times in the country.
In the academic year from July 2023 to June 2024, nearly 40% of children in Stirling were able to access support from the service within just one week of requesting help. This impressive result highlights the success of a joint focus on early advice and support, particularly within schools and nurseries, to address concerns about children’s communication skills as quickly as possible.
It is also a great example of Value Based Health and Care in action – an approach which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone by preventing people from becoming unwell, reducing inequalities and making the best use of the resources available to achieve better outcomes.
Building Strong Connections
Local schools and nursery have a designated link therapist, who offers ongoing guidance and support to staff. In addition, NHS Forth Valley’s SLT service runs a weekly helpline, providing families with direct access to staff who offer advice, reassurance, and practical support.
The Impact of Early Intervention
Research consistently shows that strong spoken language skills are a key predictor of better lifelong outcomes in learning, employability, and wellbeing. By addressing speech and language issues early, the partnership is helping children achieve their full potential.
Transforming Local Services
Louisa McGuire, NHS Forth Valley’s Speech and Language Therapy Coordinator, said:
“By providing timely, integrated support in schools and nurseries, we’re improving communication skills for children, especially those with additional needs, and setting them up for better outcomes in the future.
“The approach we’ve developed is not only improving access to care but also empowering education staff and families to address issues before they escalate.
“By taking speech and language services out of hospital-based clinics and putting support directly into schools is proving to be a game-changer, ensuring that support is available when and where it’s needed most, and delivering significant improvements in children’s communication skills across Forth Valley.”
