Metis Therapy

Independent providers of high quality Speech and Language Therapy services to families and professionals across the North East of England.




Our Therapists

Christina Howe

BSc (Hons) HCPC Reg. SL04264, MRCSLT
Speech and Language Therapist
Company Director

Christina Howe is a Speech and Language Therapist who has worked with children and young adults with Speech and Language Disorders since 1999. Having worked with children with a range of speech, language and communication difficulties she has specialised in working with children with High Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome in mainstream, special school and home education settings. Social communication skills group work is her area of specific interest and she is co-author of a series of practical books on the subject.

Rachael Howitt (née Hart)

MSc, BSc (Hons), HCPC Reg. SL19090, MRCSLT
Speech and Language Therapist
Company Director

Rachael Howitt is a Speech and Language Therapist who completed the Master’s degree in the field before beginning to work with children, adolescents and adults with learning difficulties since 2006. She has specialised in working with children with complex communication difficulties, particularly those with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Learning Difficulties. She is trained in Makaton, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) and Derbyshire Language Scheme. She is experienced in implementing high-tech and low-tech alternative communication systems.

For Families

Assessment

This may comprise a range of options according to your and your child's needs. It may be a formal, standardised assessment that gives you details of how your child’s communication is in comparison to peers, or an informal observation in one or more settings. Discussion with those significant communication partners in the individual’s life is also essential to this process. If required, a report can be provided outlining the findings of the assessment with recommendations and actions.

At School

We work with several schools around the North East to deliver speech and language therapy services. Each school has asked for something different and we have accommodated each of their requests by tailoring our services to meet their criteria.

Here are some examples of how we've been asked to work:

  • One school wanted us to "improve the communication across the whole environment";
  • Another wanted us to set up groups that Teaching Assistants can run;
  • Others wanted the whole SLCN needs identified by screening Early Years;
  • Some want group therapy sessions for children with social communication difficulties;
  • And others want one-to-one therapy sessions.

Some of the services that we offer:

  • Observations and assessments of children to identify their strengths and needs with regard to speech, language and communication.
  • Assessment of - and written advice for - children requiring an Education, Health and Social Care Plan.
  • Training for schools and other professionals.
  • Meetings with school staff, parents and carers to listen to and discuss their concerns.
  • Joint working and liaison with other agencies and services as and when required.
  • Screening of children in the Early Years Foundation Stage to quickly identify speech, language and communication difficulties.
  • One-to- one and group therapy for children with speech, language and communication difficulties.
  • Skilling of school staff to carry out interventions between visits.
  • Clinical supervision for speech and language therapists in education or independent practice.

Testimonials

"Christina's knowledge and professionalism was fabulous at absolutely the right time. Thank you." - Helen Wilson, parent

"The work that Rachael has done in school has been transformational. We now have a much better understanding of how we can support our young people so that they can be the very best that they can be." - Alex Golden, Deputy Head & SENCO at Ridgeway Primary School

"Christina had a good understanding of my child's needs and tailored work accordingly. Always available for advice. I would highly recommend this service to other parents."

"The training that Rachael delivered was relevant and easy to understand because of the practical activities. Very interesting course." - Mortimer Primary School

"[The training on Autism Spectrum Conditions was] extremely relevant for some of the children in my school and their needs. Christina Howe is very knowledgeable."

Cannot rate Metis therapy and Rachael enough! She listens to my opinions and what outcomes I would like and sets clear targets to reach them. She has been amazing with my little boy both in a school setting and at home. A great SALT!" - Sarah Donnelly, parent

Pricing

For Families

To make things easier for families, we only charge for time spent working face-to-face with the child and their communication partners, and for writing reports. Face-to-face contact could be one-to-one or in group sessions and is charged at £55 per hour (charged on a pro rata basis). A Speech and Language Therapy report costs £55 per hour (charged on a pro rata basis).

Telephone calls, note-keeping, e-mails and resource making are all free of charge.

Diagnostic assessments, such as those for Autistism Spectrum Conditions, are priced on application.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) appeal reports and reports for Education Health Care Plans are priced on application.

These prices are for children with developmental difficulties. If your child has acquired speech, language and communication difficulties please contact us for more information.

For Professionals

We charge for:

  • time spent working face-to- face with the child/children
  • staff liaison
  • attendance at meetings
  • writing reports
  • preparing and delivering training
  • preparation of programmes, targets, resources

Face-to-face contact is charged at £55 per hour (charged on a pro rata basis). Group work is charged at a higher rate to reflect the complexity of the intervention. A report costs £55 per hour (charged on a pro rata basis). Diagnostic reports, e.g. for Autistic Spectrum Conditions, or applications for Education Health Care Plans are priced on application. Telephone calls, note-keeping, e-mails and resource making are all free of charge.

Training packages are bespoke, so prices are available on application. We charge for the time taken to prepare and deliver the training. Contact us to find out what we can offer you and an approximate cost.

Travel

Contact

Get in touch

Address

Metis Therapy
204 Abbots Way,
North Shields,
NE29 8LR

Rachael Howitt

07984 693 493

rachael@metistherapy.co.uk

Christina Howe

07850 186 141

christina@metistherapy.co.uk

Metis Therapy Limited

Registered Office Address: 204 Abbots Way, North Shields, NE29 8LR
Registered Company No. 09032540
All content © Metis Therapy 2014

Policy Document Downloads



Metis Therapy Privacy Policy March 2020 (PDF)

Metis Therapy Complaints Policy May 2018 (PDF)

Metis Therapy Collaborative Working Policy October 2018 (PDF)

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