21/02/2026
This is interesting. In my 13 years of independent practice this has only happened twice. It's difficult to understand why, when we aim to work with those around the child to support them, often when statutory services such as the NHS are not actively involved and parents are funding private sessions. Most education settings are very grateful when they can receive additional support from us and the outcomes for the child are significantly improved when we all work together.
An article published in The Scotsman today highlights a growing issue across the UK: independent Speech and Language Therapists are being refused access to some education settings, and it is children who are affected.
We are now seeing reports of this across parts of England, Wales and Scotland.
In many cases, this is not because alternative provision is in place that meets the child’s needs, such as NHS services or school-commissioned therapy. Instead, decisions appear to relate to blanket policies based on employment setting.
All Speech and Language Therapists in the UK are registered with the HCPC and meet the same regulatory and professional standards, regardless of where they are employed. Professional standards do not vary by setting.
The focus must remain on ensuring that children can access the support they need from appropriately qualified professionals.
ASLTIP is engaging at national level to understand the drivers behind these policies and to address the issue constructively with education and policy stakeholders.
If this has affected your practice or your child, we would welcome hearing from you.
https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/how-autistic-children-are-being-let-down-by-inexplicable-ban-on-private-therapists-in-schools-5602553
