Speech and language therapy for young children in Exeter and surrounding areas, or online
Specialising in freeing young children's full communication potential.
Families
Assessment and therapy for children up to age 7 (end of Year 2 at school).
Testimonials
Testimonials from parents and educators of children who have received support from Natalie.
Selective Mutism
Assessment and therapy for young children with selective mutism.
Services & Fees
A bespoke quotation can be provided for the package of services required to meet your individual needs.
About Natalie
"I am passionate about supporting children to communicate successfully and confidently as early as possible in their lives, to help them thrive socially, emotionally and in their learning."
“The FreeMe Services logo of a Rainbow Lorikeet captures my vision of children flying high and reaching their full potential in life when they have the freedom to communicate."
Natalie qualified as a speech and language therapist in 1996 with a BMedSci (Hons) degree from the University of Sheffield. She has over 25 years experience working as a children's speech and language therapist - in NHS and charity sectors, and since 2016 in independent practice.
Natalie has extensive experience supporting children with a wide range of speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in various settings, including homes, children's centres, specialist assessment centres, nurseries, pre-schools, and schools. She is particularly experienced in supporting the communication development of autistic children, children with selective mutism, and late talkers.
Natalie offers personalised, child- and family-centred services tailored to the unique abiitities, needs and interests of each child and family. Her approach is relationship-based, neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-focused, ensuring that every child recieves support that honours and celebrates their individuality. Committed to delivering high-quality, practical, and enjoyable speech and language therapy, she collaborates with children, parents and educators, empowering meaningful, lasting changes in communication and everyday lives.
Natalie maintains enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and is a registered member of the:
Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC): Regulatory body for speech and language therapists (SLTs) practising in the UK.
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT): Professional body for SLTs practising in the UK.
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP): Provides information and a contact point for members of the public searching for a private speech and language therapist, and provides support and information for independent SLTs in the UK.
"Wow, Natalie has been a god-send for us as we were at a loss with our little one and we found it difficult to make the right decision for our daughter. Natalie totally understands our daughter’s needs, setting out a plan of action and helping us move in the right direction. We have learned so much as parents in order to assist our daughter’s progress, and she continues to make progress in leaps and bounds. Natalie is highly professional, highly skilled in her work and friendly. We would 110% recommend Natalie, no doubts whatsoever! A big thank you Natalie from the bottom of our hearts, we cannot thank you enough!"
Parents of a 3 year 9 month old girl: assessment and intensive therapy package
Natalie helps children to develop a wide range of skills:
Self-regulation and concentration
Listening to and understanding what people say
Play and thinking
Using speech sounds, words and sentences
Communicating wants, needs, thoughts and feelings
Talking clearly, fluently and confidently
How many children have speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)?
Around 20% of children
in primary and secondary schools have speech, language and communication needs. Around 50% of children living in some areas of the country start school with speech, language and communication needs.
81% of children
with social, emotional and mental health needs have speech, language and communication needs.
More than 10% of children
have long-term speech, language and communication needs that can impact on their literacy, learning, friendships and emotional wellbeing; that's on average two to three children in every class of 30.
1% of children
have significant speech, language and communication needs that affect their ability to express their basic needs.
Book a free, no obligation initial telephone conversation with Natalie today.