• Empowered Speech & Language Therapy is committed to protecting your privacy. All personal information is collected, stored, and processed in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

    What information we collect

    We may collect personal information about you and your child, including:

    • Child’s name and date of birth

    • Parent/carer contact details and address

    • Relevant medical, developmental, and educational history

    • Information shared during assessments or therapy sessions

    This information allows therapy to be delivered safely, appropriately, and tailored to your child’s needs.

    How information is used

    We use this information to:

    • Provide speech and language therapy assessments and intervention

    • Communicate with parents/carers

    • Liaise with schools and other professionals (with consent)

    • Manage appointments, reports, and billing

    Information is only used for the purpose it was collected.

    Storage and security

    • Digital records are stored on encrypted devices or secure, password-protected systems

    • Paper records are kept in locked storage

    Records are retained for the legally required period (usually until your child reaches the age of 25) and are then securely destroyed.

    Your rights

    You have the right to:

    • Access your personal data

    • Request corrections

    • Request deletion where appropriate

    • Ask how your data is being used

    Requests can be made by contacting me directly.

    Data Controller: Emma Reed (Empowered Speech & Language Therapy)

    ICO Registration Number: (Awaiting Formal Registration Number)

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • By agreeing to assessment and/or therapy with Empowered Speech & Language Therapy, you confirm that:

    • You understand the nature of the services provided

    • You give informed consent for assessment and/or therapy to take place

    • You understand that consent may be withdrawn at any time

    • You agree to provide accurate and relevant information about your child

    • You accept the cancellation, payment, privacy, and data protection policies

    Written consent (via a Client Consent Form) will be obtained before therapy begins.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Empowered Speech & Language Therapy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

    • Safeguarding concerns are taken seriously and acted upon promptly

    • The therapist holds an enhanced DBS check and undertakes regular safeguarding training

    • Concerns may be shared with appropriate professionals or statutory services in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children guidance

    • Safeguarding responsibilities override confidentiality where necessary to protect a child from harm

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Information is shared to support safe, coordinated care.

    • Consent is obtained before sharing information with schools, nurseries, or other professionals

    • Information may be shared without consent where there are safeguarding concerns or legal obligations

    • Only relevant information is shared, using secure methods

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Accurate and timely records are maintained in line with HCPC and RCSLT standards.

    • Records include assessment findings, session notes, reports, correspondence, and therapy plans

    • Notes are completed as soon as possible following sessions

    • Records are stored securely and retained in line with legal and professional guidance

    • Families may request access to records in line with GDPR requirements

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Empowered Speech & Language Therapy is committed to inclusive, respectful, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.

    • All children and families are treated with dignity and respect

    • Communication differences are recognised and valued

    • Reasonable adjustments are made to support access to services

    • Discrimination is not tolerated in any form

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Online therapy sessions are delivered using secure, approved video conferencing platforms.

    Families are responsible for ensuring:

    • A quiet, private space is available

    • The child is appropriately supervised

    • Internet connectivity and equipment are suitable for video sessions

    All safeguarding, confidentiality, and consent procedures apply to virtual sessions.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Risks associated with therapy delivery are identified and managed appropriately.

    • Therapy environments (home, school, or virtual) are assessed for safety

    • Lone working, infection control, and environmental risks are considered

    • Sessions may be cancelled/postponed if environments are deemed unsafe

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • To maintain safety for children, families, and the therapist:

    • Equipment is cleaned between sessions

    • Sessions will not take place if the therapist is unwell (see payment & cancellation policy for more details)

    • Families are asked to cancel sessions if their child is unwell and unable to participate in the session as planned. Please refer to the Cancellation and Payment Policy for information regarding charges for sessions cancelled at short notice.

    • Hand hygiene measures are followed

    • PPE may be used where appropriate, in line with current guidance

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • For home visits, the therapist will:

    • Inform a trusted contact of appointment locations and timings

    • Only attend known addresses

    • Carry a mobile phone and emergency contact information at all times

    A responsible adult must remain present in the property during all home visits at all times.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Social media may be used for professional updates and information sharing.

    • Identifiable client information is never shared

    • Social media is not used for clinical communication

    • Families are asked not to contact via social media regarding therapy matters

    All therapy-related communication should take place via email, telephone/mobile communication, or the website contact form.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Booking and payment

    • All sessions must be paid for at least 48 hours in advance to confirm the booking

    • This applies to individual sessions and block bookings

    • Unpaid sessions may be offered to another client

    Cancellations

    • More than 48 hours’ notice: no charge

    • Less than 48 hours’ notice (including illness): charged in full

    • Missed appointments: charged in full

    • Child Illness: If a session is cancelled due to illness, the standard cancellation terms will apply as outlined in this policy unless otherwise agreed in exceptional circumstances.

    Exceptional circumstances

    Fees may be waived at the therapist’s discretion in exceptional or unforeseen circumstances.

    Therapist cancellation

    If a session is cancelled by the therapist, a full refund or rescheduled appointment will be offered.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Services provided

    Empowered Speech & Language Therapy provides independent assessments, therapy, programmes, and professional support for children, families, and educational settings.

    Payment

    Payment is required in advance. Accepted methods include bank transfer, card payment (via Stripe), or secure payment links. Additional charges may apply for reports, travel, or extended liaison.

    Confidentiality

    All information is treated as confidential unless disclosure is required by law or safeguarding concerns arise.

    Therapy outcomes

    Therapy aims to support communication development; however, outcomes cannot be guaranteed and progress varies between individuals.

    Session environment

    Sessions should take place in a quiet, safe, and distraction-free environment. For home visits, a responsible adult must remain present.

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

  • Empowered Speech & Language Therapy aims to provide high-quality, family-centred care and welcomes feedback.

    • Concerns should be raised informally where possible

    • If unresolved, complaints should be submitted in writing within 28 days

    • A written response will be provided within 14 working days

    If concerns remain unresolved, families may contact:

    • RCSLT

    • HCPC

    • ICO (for data-related concerns)

    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027

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    Last reviewed: 7 June 2026
    Next review due: January 2027