Croydon pupils are benefitting from a new and improved speech and language therapy service, delivered by specialist providers in their schools.
The new service will benefit children in Croydon who need extra help and support with speech and language
The Council has allocated an extra £1m of government funding in improving the service, with the changes based on feedback from children, families and schools.
The new providers started on 1 November 2025 – Better Days is supporting children in the north and south of Croydon, while Allen Speech and Language is providing services in central Croydon. See the Council website for more details.
The Council has been working with schools and the new providers to communicate these changes to parents and carers, and make sure they have clear information and support throughout the transition.
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust previously provided speech and language therapy for Croydon’s schools and they are currently transferring records to the new providers. This has taken longer than expected, but no school children should have experienced a gap in the service.
Dan Bowden, Headteacher at Greenvale Primary School, in Selsdon, said: “We know that early identification and support for children with speech and language needs is crucial to their progress in the formative years of education. It is encouraging that specialist providers have now been secured, ensuring children receive the tailored support that will give them the best possible chance to flourish in their first years of learning.”
Parents and carers who are concerned about their child’s speech and language development and do not have an EHCP can speak to their GP, talk to their school, or get guidance through a Croydon Family Hub. More details about these changes are available on the Croydon Council website.
The changes are part of the Council’s Croydon SEND Local Area Strategy 2023–2026, which focuses on getting the right help to children at the right time and listening to parents, children and young people.
Children attending an Enhanced Learning Provision (ELP), who receive support from independent therapists, will not be affected by the changes.
“We have listened to families and schools and reshaped services to make sure children get the right support. These changes strengthen our offer and enable us to work more closely with schools and parents to improve outcomes for children and young people across Croydon.
“If any families have concerns about the new arrangements, please contact the new provider or speak to your child’s school, who will be able to help.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
