Bryony Longmaid
SaLT
HCPC Registration Number: SL34489
Hello, my name is Bryony.
I completed my undergraduate degree in Speech and Language Therapy at City, University of London, in 2016, and started working at Words First as a Newly Qualified Therapist (NQT). Since then, I have gained experience working across a range of settings, including mainstream primary and secondary schools, specialist provisions for autistic children and young people, and at our Kids First clinic.
I am particularly interested in working in Early Years and Primary settings with children who have speech sound disorders (SSD). I also love to welcome parents and teaching staff into my sessions, as progress is achieved much more quickly when they understand their child’s individual goals and how to support them.
As part of my current role as Clinical Specialist for speech sound disorders, I support the whole team in developing their understanding of this clinical area and offer joint assessments and case discussions. I am also part of the team that provides training for teaching staff on how to deliver our phonological awareness intervention programme, Sound Smart, which allows more children to access the support they need to thrive.
To further develop my knowledge within this clinical area, I am currently completing a Master’s degree at Sheffield University.
Words First has provided me with a fantastic opportunity to see each of my clients through their entire speech and language journey—from initial observation and assessment planning, to delivering intervention, and then discharging them from the service. This has truly allowed me to grow as a therapist and understand the importance of the SaLT’s role.
As a creative person, I also enjoy having the time to plan my sessions and create individualised resources for my clients, while still having access to some of Words First’s amazing company resources.
The Words First value which resonates the most with me is research-driven. Words First encourages all members of the team to continue developing their skills based on current best-practice guidelines. Within the team, there is a culture of sharing information, including research papers, new assessments, and interventions.
In addition, the Clinical Specialists deliver internal Clinical Excellence Events (CEEs) throughout the year, which enable them to share up-to-date, evidence-based practice within their individual fields. All this leads to more effective outcomes for the children and families we work with.
