Croydon Council’s Changes to Speech and Language Therapy Services

Council Says New Provision Will Be in Place by November, But Parents Express Concerns Over Poor Communication

Harrison Galliven Local Democracy Reporter

05:00, 21 Oct 2025

Daniela Sponder’s son Luca relies on Speech and Language Therapy as part of his tailored Education, Health and Care Plan
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

When Daniela Sponder first saw a message in her Sanderstead mums’ WhatsApp group, she was concerned. Another Croydon parent, Amy Jones, had shared alarming news: her son’s speech and language therapy (SALT) had been abruptly cut, despite being a legal entitlement under his Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

“That rang alarm bells,” Daniela says. “Every child’s provision is different, so I thought…would this affect my son too?”

The Impact on Children and Families

Unfortunately, it would, and the impact had reached other children across the borough. Daniela’s five-year-old son, Luca, now in Year 1 at a mainstream school in Croydon, has a speech delay and receives SALT through a private therapist fully funded by Croydon Council.

Daniela Sponder said the council’s decision is “a huge cut to what children are entitled to”
(Image: Facundo Arrizabalaga/MyLondon)

After making enquiries, Luca’s therapist confirmed their contract had been terminated, with no prior warning to families. Croydon Council, which is responsible for funding and securing the requirements of EHCPs, made the decision earlier this year.

What are EHCPs and SALT?

EHCPs are legally-backed documents that outline the support a child with special educational needs must receive. If a child qualifies, the local authority is legally required to deliver every element of support listed in the plan.

SALT helps children who struggle with communication, language development, social interaction, or feeding issues. For many children with additional needs, like Daniela’s son and Amy’s son, Harry, regular SALT is essential to accessing learning and interacting with others effectively.

Council’s Response and New Provision

Croydon Council has since confirmed it is switching to a new SALT provider, with a new service due to start in November. A spokesperson told the LDRS “the current model of speech and language therapy services has not always met the needs of children and young people in mainstream schools and colleges”, and that the government grant that funds it has increased, so it’s looking to improve the offering.

In the meantime, the council has said it will offer some parents support in the form of a personal budget, so they can find their own temporary therapy provider.

Amy Jones says her son Harry (pictured) learned to speak through his dedicated Speech and Language therapy
(Image: Amy Jones)

For Amy Jones in Coulsdon, the impact of the cut has already been severe. Her eight-year-old son, Harry, who has epilepsy affecting his speech centre, is supposed to have weekly, targeted therapy.

Parents’ Concerns and Next Steps

Families are now seeking legal advice. SENDIASS, an independent support service, has said Croydon may be in breach of the Children and Families Act 2014 by failing to deliver EHCP provision.

Despite her frustration, Daniela remains determined. “I’ve been fighting for my son for three and a half years. That fight won’t stop now.”