SEN Professionals - Kent

About Multidisciplinary Therapy Services

Multidisciplinary therapy services bring together different types of professionals, such as speech and language therapists and occupational therapists, to provide a coordinated approach to supporting your child. This can be particularly beneficial for children who need support in more than one area, as it allows therapists to work together and share information.

Private therapists in Kent are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and may also be members of their relevant professional bodies. You do not need a GP referral to access private therapy services.

Before Your First Appointment

To get the most from an initial therapy assessment, it can help to prepare the following:

• Any previous reports from school, nursery, or other professionals
• Your child's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if they have one
• Notes on areas where your child needs support (communication, daily living skills, sensory needs)
• Any concerns raised by teachers or other professionals

Initial assessments typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. The therapist will use a combination of standardised assessments, observation, and discussion with you to build a picture of your child's strengths and areas of need.

Helpful Resources

• What is Speech and Language Therapy? — our full guide for parents
• What is Occupational Therapy? — our full guide for parents
• How to Apply for an EHCP in Kent — if your child needs funded support
• All Speech and Language Therapists in Kent
• All Occupational Therapists in Kent

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a private therapist?

No. You can contact a private therapy service directly without a GP or NHS referral. However, if you want NHS-funded therapy, you will usually need a referral from your GP or another healthcare professional.

Can therapy be included in an EHCP?

Yes. If your child has an Education, Health and Care Plan, speech and language therapy and occupational therapy can both be named as provisions in the plan. This means the local authority may fund the therapy. See our EHCP application guide for more information.

What is the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach?

A multidisciplinary approach means that different professionals work together to support your child holistically. For example, a speech and language therapist and an occupational therapist may coordinate their recommendations to ensure they complement each other, which can lead to more effective outcomes.