Speech and Language Services for Schools

We have commissioned two new providers to deliver speech and language services for children and young people with an EHCP who are in school.

We are working together with NHS Southwest London (ICB) to improve how speech and language services (SaLT) are delivered in Croydon. These changes make services more flexible, more responsive, and reduce waiting times for children who need support.

Continued commitment to our SaLT services

Due to the significant rise in demand for the services, we have increased our funding to £1,078,160 for the years 2025/26. This demonstrates our continued commitment to improving services for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.

The service will focus entirely on the delivery in line with children’s  Educational Health Care Plans, and working closely with schools.

What has changed

•    the ICB continues to fund health-related therapy, delivered by Croydon Health Services (CHS)
•    we are funding education-based therapy for schools through new contracts with specialist providers

How services are organised

Following a competitive tender process, 2 specialist providers were appointed:

  • Better Days
  • Allen Speech and Language

To make services more local and easier to access, delivery is organised into 3 SEND clusters. Each cluster has a dedicated provider.

North cluster    

Wards covered: Crystal Palace and Upper Norwood, Norbury Park, Norbury and Pollards Hill, Thornton Heath, Bensham Manor, West Thornton, Selhurst, South Norwood   

Provider:  Better Days

Contact: Telephone: 020 3608 2810 
Email: croydon@betterdays.uk 
Website: betterdays.uk/croydon-speech-and-language-therapy

Central cluster

Wards covered:   Woodside, Addiscombe West, Addiscombe East, Shirley North, Shirley South, Park Hill and Whitgift, Fairfield, Broad Green, Waddon, South Croydon    

Provider: Allen Speech and Language  

Contact:   Email: croydon@allenspeechandlanguage.co.uk 
Website: www.allenspeechandlanguage.co.uk 

South cluster    

Wards covered: Selsdon and Addington Village, New Addington North, New Addington South, Selsdon Vale and Forestdale, Sanderstead, Purley Oaks and Riddlesdown, Purley and Woodcote, Coulsdon Town, Kenley, Old Coulsdon    

Provider:  Better Days

Contact: Telephone: 020 3608 2810 
Email: croydon@betterdays.uk 
Website: betterdays.uk/croydon-speech-and-language-therapy
 

Children in special schools and Enhanced Learning Provisions (ELPs)

Croydon Health Services (CHS) continues to provide therapy for children in special schools and ELPs under a short term contract. This ensures there is no disruption for these children while a longer-term contract is agreed.
 

Contacts

If you are unsure who your provider is, please contact your child’s school or our SEND Commissioning Team by emailing senenquiries@croydon.gov.uk.