Key Points
- Croydon Council is revising its speech and language therapy services for children and young people, effective 1 November 2025.
- Two new specialist providers, Better Days and Allen Speech and Language, will deliver services.
- Better Days will cover the north and south of the borough; Allen Speech and Language will serve central Croydon.
- Existing service agreements will continue until the changes take effect, ensuring no disruption.
- Part of the Croydon SEND Local Area Strategy 2023-2026 focusing on timely, appropriate support.
- Families, schools, and young people’s feedback influenced the decision.
- Children with EHCPs currently supported by independent therapists will not be affected.
- The council is working to reduce delays amid a national shortage of speech and language therapists.
- Parents are encouraged to liaise with GPs, schools, and Croydon Family Hub for concerns without EHCP.
- Jason Perry, Croydon’s executive mayor, emphasised the importance of accessible support for children’s development.
What changes are being made to Croydon’s speech and language therapy services?
As reported by Croydon Council, the local authority will refresh its speech and language therapy services for children and young people starting on 1 November 2025. These changes involve two new specialist providers joining the service delivery framework: Better Days and Allen Speech and Language.
According to the council’s official announcement, Better Days will be responsible for providing therapy in the north and south areas of Croydon borough, while Allen Speech and Language will cover central Croydon. This new arrangement is set to replace the existing providers and aims to improve the accessibility and quality of services for children requiring speech and language support.
Why is Croydon Council changing its therapy providers?
The decision to change service providers comes after consulting with families and schools, as revealed by a statement from Jason Perry, Croydon’s executive mayor. He noted, as reported in a council press release, that
“it is vital that all children and young people have access to the support they need to be able to thrive and fulfil their potential.”
Perry further stated,
“We have been listening to families and schools about how they want to access SEND support and these changes reflect what they have told us works best.”
This illustrates that the revamp aims to be more responsive to the actual needs and preferences expressed by the community.
How will the change affect existing therapy services and children with EHCPs?
Croydon Council has assured that the current therapy services will continue under the existing agreements until 1 November 2025, ensuring there will be no interruptions in service during the transition.
Importantly, children who have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and who are currently receiving assistance from independent therapists will not be impacted by this change in service delivery. This ensures continuity for children with legally mandated individual support plans, as highlighted in the council’s statements.
How is the council addressing the national shortage of speech and language therapists?
The national shortage of speech and language therapists has posed challenges in timely service delivery. Croydon Council is proactively working with the new providers, Better Days and Allen Speech and Language, to mitigate delays.
The council encourages parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development but do not have an EHCP to consult their local GP and school, and also seek support from a Croydon Family Hub. This advice was emphasised in a Croydon Council briefing, aiming to provide multiple access points for early intervention and guidance.
How is the council communicating these changes to families and schools?
Croydon Council is actively informing both families and schools about the upcoming changes. Communication strategies include direct contact and updates available on the council’s official website, ensuring transparency and awareness within the local community.
What is the Croydon SEND Local Area Strategy 2023-2026?
The changes to speech and language therapy services form part of the wider Croydon SEND Local Area Strategy 2023-2026. This strategy focuses on delivering timely, appropriate support aligned with the needs of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The strategy also stresses active involvement from parents, children, and young people in shaping services.
What are the new providers Better Days and Allen Speech and Language?
- Better Days: Tasked with delivering speech and language therapy in the north and south of Croydon. The provider is expected to bring specialist expertise to these parts of the borough.
- Allen Speech and Language: Charged with providing therapy services centrally in Croydon. Both providers were selected following consultation and are part of the council’s plan to revamp service delivery.
What did Jason Perry say about these changes?
Jason Perry, Croydon’s executive mayor, was quoted in a Croydon Council press release saying:
“It is vital that all children and young people have access to the support they need to be able to thrive and fulfil their potential.”
He added,
“We welcome the two new providers, who will be in place in time for the new school half-term and will make sure children get the support they need.”
His statements highlight the council’s commitment to continuous improvement in SEND support services.
