Honeypot Practice

30/06/2026

Many parents feel nervous before their child's first speech and language assessment because they simply don't know what to expect.

- Will it feel like a test?
- What if my child won't talk?
- Do they have to get everything right?
- What's the difference between an NHS and a private assessment?

The truth is, a good assessment should feel relaxed, child-led and, for many children, just like playing.

I've put together a new guide that explains exactly what happens before, during and after a speech and language assessment, including:

✅What therapists are really looking for
✅How to prepare your child
✅What happens after the assessment
✅Answers to some of the questions parents ask most often

Read it here:
🔗 www.honeypotpractice.co.uk/parent-guides/what-happens-during-a-speech-and-language-assessment

If you have concerns about your child's speech, language or communication, don't feel you have to navigate it alone. Get in touch to discuss your concerns or book an assessment, and together we can help your child communicate with confidence.

Learn what happens during a speech and language assessment, how to prepare your child, and the differences between NHS and private assessments.

01/06/2026

One of the most common questions I hear from parents is:
"Do you think my child needs speech therapy, or am I worrying unnecessarily?"

The truth is that every child develops at their own pace, and not every child needs therapy.

At the same time, there are some signs that it may be worth seeking advice.

I've written a new guide covering 10 common signs to look out for, including:

• Delayed language development
• Difficulties understanding language
• Unclear speech
• Frustration when communicating
• Stammering

The aim isn't to worry parents, but to help you feel more confident about when to monitor and when it might be worth speaking to a professional.

You can read the guide here:

Not sure whether your child's speech and language skills are developing as expected? Here are the 10 signs that may indicate it's time to seek professional advice.

21/05/2026

Hello everyone, I’m back! ☀️

I’ve been out of the country for a little bit, so it’s been a very busy first week back catching up with assessments, therapy sessions, reports, and enquiries.

Thank you to everyone who has been so patient while waiting for replies. I’m now back into my usual routine and currently taking bookings for speech and language therapy assessments and sessions across Hertfordshire, Essex, and North London.

If you’ve been thinking about seeking support for your child’s speech, language, or communication, feel free to get in touch via the website:

Private speech and language therapy for children, based in Borehamwood and supporting families in educational settings across Hertfordshire and North London. Honeypot Practice provides comprehensive assessments and evidence based therapy.

01/05/2026

Is your child on a speech and language therapy waiting list?

You have already taken action.

You know there is a concern.

But now you are left waiting, with no clear timeline and no real sense of what happens next.

For some families, that feels manageable.

For others, it does not feel right to wait when their child is:

hard to understand

becoming frustrated when communicating

or not making progress

If you are already at the point of seeking support, it is reasonable to want a clear answer and a plan, not just time passing.

When you contact me, I will always tell you my soonest availability.

I do not operate a waiting list. If I feel your child needs to be seen sooner than I can offer, I will guide you towards appropriate alternatives.

My next available appointments are from 19th May.

If you do not want to spend the next few months waiting and wondering, send me a message and we can get started.

Private speech and language therapy for children, based in Borehamwood and supporting families in educational settings across Hertfordshire and North London. Honeypot Practice provides comprehensive assessments and evidence based therapy.

30/04/2026

Most people focus on speech.

But speech is actually the last thing to develop.

Communication starts much earlier, and if those earlier skills are still developing, it can affect everything that follows.

In this new blog post, I break down the full picture of communication development:

• why play is the foundation
• how interaction and connection come next
• why understanding matters before talking
• how language builds over time
• and where speech fits into it all

If your child is finding talking difficult, this will help you understand why.

It also helps you know what to look for, and where support might be needed.

Read it here:
https://www.honeypotpractice.co.uk/parent-guides/understanding-communication-development

If you have any concerns about your child’s communication, or you are not sure if their development is on track, feel free to get in touch to talk things through.

Learn how children develop communication skills from play and social interaction through to language and speech, and why understanding this sequence matters.

23/04/2026

Had a really nice brunch today catching up with Emma Vaughan Speech and Language Therapist over pancakes and French toast.

One of the things about working independently is you don’t always get those everyday chats with colleagues, so it’s always so good to sit down, catch up, and talk through what we’re both working on.

We ended up chatting about everything from therapy approaches to how things are going behind the scenes, and it’s just really reassuring to share that space with someone who gets it.

Feeling very grateful for the support that exists within this profession😊

22/04/2026

Not sure if your child is talking as much as you’d expect?

Expressive language is how children use words and sentences to share their thoughts, ideas, and needs.

I’ve put together a simple guide explaining how expressive language develops, what to expect at different ages, and how it is assessed.

I currently have a small amount of availability if you’d like to discuss things further.

Read more here:

Worried your child isn’t talking as expected or using enough words? Learn what expressive language is, typical speech and language milestones, and how therapists assess skills like vocabulary, sentences, and communication.

16/04/2026

“They’re just not listening…”

This is something I hear a lot.

In many cases, it’s not about behaviour. It’s about what a child can (and can’t) understand.

Receptive language is how children make sense of what’s said to them, and when this is difficult, it can affect everything from following instructions to learning in the classroom.

In my latest blog, I break down:
• what receptive language actually is
• how it develops
• how we assess it (including information carrying words and Blank’s Levels)

If you’ve been wondering whether your child is truly understanding what’s being said, this will give you a clear starting point.

🔗 Read it here:

Learn what receptive language is, how it develops, and how it is assessed using information carrying words, Blank’s Levels, vocabulary, and real-life understanding.

14/04/2026

Do children grow out of lisps, or do they need support?

The answer depends on the type of lisp.

The two most common types are interdental and lateral lisps.

An interdental lisp is when the tongue comes forward between the teeth, so “s” and “z” can sound more like “th” (for example, “sun” sounding like “thun”).

This pattern can be part of typical development in younger children while they are still learning these sounds. Most children develop an accurate “s” and “z” by around 4 to 5 years. If it continues beyond this age, it is less likely to resolve without support.

A lateral lisp is different. The tongue stays inside the mouth, but air escapes over the sides, creating a slushy or “wet” sounding “s”.

Lateral lisps are not considered part of typical development at any age and usually need direct input.

If you’re noticing either of these patterns, it can be helpful to understand which type it is, as the approach to support is quite different.

Here at Honeypot Practice, we offer assessments and therapy for children with speech, language, and social communication needs. If this sounds relevant to your child, more information or contact details can be found here: www.honeypotpractice.co.uk

10/04/2026

“Is my child’s speech normal?”

It’s one of the most common questions I get, and it can be really difficult to know what’s typical and what isn’t.

I’ve put together a simple guide breaking down what to expect from ages 1–7, along with signs that it might be worth seeking support.

You can read it here:
https://www.honeypotpractice.co.uk/parent-guides/is-my-childs-speech-normal