By Sophie Payne
In this blog, you will learn:
- About the challenges facing Speech and Language Therapists today.
Ways to deliver effective and consistent support to children with communication needs.
Where the latest Speech and Language Therapist jobs are and how to apply for them.
We recently interviewed Safah, a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) and Senior SALT Subcontractor with experience across the NHS, private and independent practice.
Safah has worked in speech and language therapy with both children and adults, developing her skills through education, placements and years in clinical settings.
According to the Department for Education, there are more than 40,000 children waiting over 12 weeks for speech and language therapy as of June 2024. In response to this, Safah established her own speech and language therapy service that provides affordable and accessible therapy sessions.
Safah is focused on ensuring children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN) receive consistent, effective support by working closely with families and schools.
In this interview, Safah shares her approach, the challenges facing the sector and practical techniques for supporting children’s communication needs.
If you’re considering a career in Speech and Language Therapy, this interview offers practical insights into the role from an expert in the field.
What inspired you to become a Speech and Language Therapist?
I initially wanted to become a Teacher after I completed a placement at a school at the age of 15. During this time, I observed the children during guided reading when one boy, in particular, stood out to me; he was very anxious about reading and had a noticeable stammer.
This experience piqued my interest in speech and language therapy, especially after my brother, an Audiologist, introduced me to the field.
Tell us about your career path so far
After college, I pursued a degree in speech and language therapy at Leeds Beckett University. The transition from school to college and then to university was intense but incredibly rewarding.
Over the three years of my studies, I mastered essential skills including clinical techniques, communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving and research methodologies. Towards the end of my third year, amidst the rise of COVID-19, I secured a trainee Speech and Language Therapist role at a private company while completing my degree.
I graduated in July 2021 with a BSc with Honours in Speech and Language Therapy and transitioned into a Newly Qualified SALT at the same company. This role provided me with invaluable experience in designing and implementing effective therapy plans, supporting schools and modelling strategies to parents.
In 2022, I joined the NHS as a Band 5 therapist and later advanced to a Band 7 (Highly specialist Speech and Language Therapist) in 2024. My time at the NHS allowed me to enhance my skills further, particularly in managing a team and supervising Band 5 and 6’s. I also developed my ability to analyse complex cases, identify appropriate interventions and adhere to established pathways despite the challenges of long waiting lists.
Eventually, I recognised the need to address the limitations within the existing healthcare system which led me to establish my own company, Articulate Minds. Our mission is to offer a solution to long waiting lists and limited sessions available with the NHS as well as the high costs associated with private therapy.
We aim to provide affordable sessions while collaborating closely with parents and Teachers to ensure that children receive the support they need to thrive.
I also work as a Senior SALT Subcontractor at another private company where I manage Speech and Language Therapists and deliver assessments, reports and therapy.
What does a typical day look like for you as a Speech and Language Therapist?
A typical day for me as a Speech and Language Therapist involves a balanced mix of clinical and administrative tasks. For example, in the morning I prepare by reviewing my schedule and preparing my resources.
After this I complete my client sessions followed by documenting their notes within 24 hours. I then complete more administrative tasks such as making phone calls to parents and other professionals involved in my clients' care.
I strive to maintain a balanced workload by mixing clinical and non-clinical work as I find that a whole day dedicated solely to admin tasks is less effective for me.
My weekly schedule is dynamic and rarely looks the same. Some days, I dedicate time to networking with other professionals, delivering training sessions to parents, or engaging in professional development activities.
What are the most challenging aspects of your role and how do you overcome them?
One of the primary challenges of being a Speech and Language Therapist is the lack of awareness about the importance and scope of our work. Many people still do not fully understand what speech and language therapy entails and how critical it is for individuals with communication difficulties.
Another significant challenge is the lack of funding for schools and healthcare providers. This financial constraint limits the resources and need for Speech and Language Therapists making it difficult to provide the necessary support and interventions for those in need.
Additionally, the inconsistency in support from the adults around a child poses a considerable obstacle. For example, it is crucial for parents, caregivers and educators to be consistent in reinforcing the strategies and techniques recommended by Speech and Language Therapists. However, this is not always the case and can lead to gaps in the child’s progress and development.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to advocating for the importance of speech and language therapy and strive to educate the community about the vital role we play to ensure children are best supported.
How do you ensure you have the perfect work-life balance?
To ensure I maintain a healthy work-life balance, I strictly adhere to my working hours and avoid extending my work beyond this time. If I am unable to complete my tasks within the designated hours, I make sure to schedule the unfinished work for the next day. This approach helps me stay organised and prevents burnout.
I also prioritise self-care and personal time, ensuring I engage in activities that help me relax and recharge such as self-pampering or visiting the gym.
How do you stay up to date with the latest techniques, changes and advancements in speech and language therapy?
To stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and advancements in speech and language therapy, I have a few strategies that I find really effective.
Firstly, I regularly check the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT) website for the latest news, guidelines and professional updates.
Secondly, I have Google alerts set up for speech and language therapy news, which helps me stay informed regarding recent developments and breakthroughs in the field. I also make it a point to read up-to-date articles and journals to ensure my knowledge is current and evidence-based.
Lastly, I follow several Speech and Language Therapists pages on Instagram. This not only provides me with valuable insights and ideas but also keeps me connected with the broader professional community.
How do you continue to develop your skills and knowledge as a Speech and Language Therapist?
To develop my skills and knowledge as a Speech and Language Therapist, I actively seek out training opportunities by regularly attending workshops, webinars and undertaking any professional development opportunities.
I also pursue certifications and specialised training programs such as ‘Talk Tools’ training to deepen my expertise in specific areas of speech and language therapy. This not only enhances my clinical skills but also ensures that I can provide the best possible care to my clients.
What advice would you give to aspiring Speech and Language Therapists and why?
The advice I would give to an aspiring Speech and Language Therapist is to stay committed and always remember that your work makes a positive impact on people's lives. It’s also important to network with other professionals, attend workshops and continuously develop your knowledge.
What do you enjoy most about working in the industry?
I love seeing the progress and positive changes in my clients' lives and creating meaningful relationships with parents and carers. I also love being able to advocate for a child knowing this was my purpose in life!
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