Speech Stuff

Speech and Language Therapy

Welcome to Speech Stuff, where communication is our passion and every voice matters. We aim to support each child to be confident communicators and do so with a total communication approach.

Thank you for considering Speech Stuff as your partner in your child’s communication journey. 

Founded by Julie Cota, Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, BSc (Hons), PGCert, MRCSLT, Reg. HCPC, MASLTIP

What We Offer

Assessment

We offer comprehensive assessment of Speech, Language and Communication needs through observations, formal and informal assessment to set functional and realistic communication goals.

Therapy

We offer high quality, evidence based therapy to assist the young person to achieve their goals (in the sessions and in their everyday lives).

Support

We help parents, carers and education staff with the information, resources and training they need to support the young person’s communication skills in their daily lives.

Meet the Team

A brief introduction to the Speech Stuff team.

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Hello! I’m Julie Cota

Specialist Speech and Language Therapist and Owner of Speech Stuff

As an autistic Speech and Language Therapist, I am dedicated to providing neurodiversity affirming support for children and their families.  

My journey began at Newcastle University, where I pursued my studies in Speech and Language Therapy. Since becoming qualified in 2011, I’ve had the privilege of serving communities in both the North East and Yorkshire within the NHS and in education.  

My experience spans across various settings including community outreach, early years programs, and schools. I’ve also collaborated directly with schools, offering tailored support to children while leading staff training initiatives in speech and language development. 

I firmly believe that effective communication is a cornerstone of daily life, and I am committed to ensuring that every child receives the necessary support to thrive. My areas of expertise include early language development, autism, Gestalt Language Development, speech sound difficulties, and selective mutism. In 2020 I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Speech Sound Difficulties and in 2024 I am beginning a PG Cert in Sensory Integration.  

In 2019, I established Speech Stuff, and in August 2022, we proudly opened The Hive, our welcoming clinic space I the heart of Cramlington Village. Since then our team has grown and watching them positively impact numerous families fills me with immense pride. 

Ceitlan Batchelor

Speech and Language Therapist

Ceitlan has over 6 years experience working in the NHS supporting children from early years and school age. She has been part of the Speech Stuff team since 2023.  

Ceitlan delivers fun, creative and child centred sessions and is passionate about empowering parents and families to support their children’s communication skills. She specialises in supporting children with speech sound disorders as well as early language development. 

Julie Gair

Speech and Language Therapy Assistant

Julie has been part of the speech stuff team since 2023 and has over 15 years experience, with a range of training covered Before working for the NHS, Julie trained as a nursery nurse and then did a BTEC in Speech and Language. 
 
Julie is passionate about supporting children through play based therapy and has attended training in Gestalt Language Processing. Julie also has lots of experience with supporting children with their speech sound development.  

Nicola Cohan

Speech and Language Therapist

Nicola joined the team in 2024 with 11 years experience working with children, adolescents and adults with additional needs in the private sector, education provisions and community NHS. She specialises in Sensory Integration and early language development and is dedicated to supporting children and their families. 

Maureen

Office Administrator

Maureen has over 30 years experience as an administrator.
She’s our office manager, administrator and part-time receptionist.

Toni

Receptionist and Social Media Wizard
Toni is one of our friendly part time receptionists, working alongside her studies at university She welcomes our families and supports us with resources and our Social Media. Toni joined the team in July 2022 just before we opened The Hive.  

Tony

Non-Clinical Director and Learning Resources 

Tony has an extensive background in technology and application development, and a keen interest in producing mixed media and digital creative resources. He has a passion for everything artistic, from drawing and painting to educational applications and resources. He’s been with Speech Stuff since it was only a seed of an idea 

Welcome to The Hive

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The Hive – Quarryside House, Cramlington

The Hive is our lovely therapy space in the heart of Cramlington Village, Northumberland. With two dedicated play rooms and an extensive range of toys and resources, we deliver high quality therapy which is motivating for the child.  

We also have space to deliver parent workshops, bespoke training, family support sessions and more. We offer a range of events throughout the year and look forward to welcoming you soon.

Speech Stuff

(01670) 719791

Quarryside House, Middle Farm Square, Cramlington, Northumberland. NE23 1BA.

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How We Support

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Families

We work directly with children and their families to support their communication skills in their everyday lives, in a fun and meaningful way.  

Schools and Nurseries

We provide training, assessment and therapy directly to schools and nursery settings supporting children with a range of speech, language and communication needs.  

Training

We provide training and information sessions around a range of speech and language topics. This can take place at The Hive, online or in your own setting.  

Getting Started is Easy

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Free 15 Min Chat

We offer a free 15 minute telephone call to discuss parent concerns and provide information about next steps.

Book An Appointment

We offer appointments throughout the week and strive to fit around busy family lives, including appointments out of school hours and on Saturdays.  

1st Session!

The first session is an assessment and helps us to gather information about your child’s current communication skills.  Following this we can then discuss if therapy is needed and we support you every step of the way.  

Our Approach

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Our Approach

We are passionate about delivering high quality, family centred therapy which supports the communication skills of the child. Children learn best when they are having fun, so our therapy always involves lots of play using activities which are motivating to each individual child.  

"Julie worked with my daughter Grace and supported her from the beginning... she has made so much progress and I owe it all to the amazing start she had with Julie thank you so much!!!"

Jill – Mother of 3 year old.

"Julie is very experienced at supporting children to make progress with their speech, language and social communication. She will always make activities engaging and purposeful. A five star therapist."

Laura – SENCO, Primary School.

"I was delighted that Julie was recommended to us. She was able to provide our son with a pitch perfect level of support, and critically, was able to do this online during lockdown. Always engaging and fun, she also shared lots of ideas of things we as parents could do at home to support the speech therapy. Our son has made great progress with Julie's support. Could not recommend highly enough."

Deb – Mother of 6 year old

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a Speech and Language Therapist?

A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) is a professional who helps children and adults develop or regain skills with speech, language and communication as well as eating and drinking.

What do Speech and Language Therapists Do?

SLTs assess and treat children (and adults) with speech, language and communication needs. They provide advice, recommendations and therapy to support the development of these vital skills. They may work with children in health care settings or in schools and nurseries.

I am concerned about my child, how do I contact a Speech and Language Therapist?

If you are worried about your child’s speech and language development you can speak to your Health Visitor or GP, or you could refer to the local NHS SLT department directly. If you are looking for a private therapist please contact me for a free no obligation chat to discuss your needs.

How often does my child need to be seen?

This depends on your child’s specific needs. Following an initial assessment session I will discuss recommendations for next steps. This may be advice or therapy. An agreed block of sessions will be agreed in advance and this can be reviewed as the child makes progress.

I’m not sure if my child needs Speech and Language Therapy, what should I do?

Please contact me to discuss your concerns, I am happy to provide a free telephone consultation to discuss whether an assessment and therapy is required.

Do I need a GP referral?

No, you can contact me directly to refer your child for an assessment.

How long will I need to wait for an initial appointment?

I can usually arrange an initial appointment within 2 weeks of the initial enquiry.

My child already has an NHS Speech and Language Therapist, does private therapy affect this?

No, your child is entitled to their free NHS SLT offer. There are clear professional guidelines to ensure that Speech and Language Therapists in the NHS and private practice work together, although I won’t share any information with anyone unless your consent is given. The same goes for schools and nurseries; I can supplement the existing service without you losing out on anything provided via the local offer.

How do I know if my Speech and Language Therapist is qualified and registered?

All Speech and Language Therapists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and details of registered therapists can be accessed for free via their website.

Working with Us

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Careers

We’re proud of our service and are always interested in hearing from SLTs who are as passionate about making a difference as we are. If you are interested in working with us, we would love to hear from you info@speechstuff.co.uk.

Are you interested in working as an Independent Speech and Language Therapist as part of a team? 

Would you like to choose your own caseload and working hours? 

Are you experienced in working with children with a range of SLCN? 

Our clinic is based in the heart of Cramlington village and we have a wide range of assessments and resources to ensure that every session is tailored to the individual child.  

"Julie worked with my daughter Grace and supported her from the beginning... she has made so much progress and I owe it all to the amazing start she had with Julie thank you so much!!!"

Jill – Mother of 3 year old.

"Julie is very experienced at supporting children to make progress with their speech, language and social communication. She will always make activities engaging and purposeful. A five star therapist."

Laura – SENCO, Primary School.

"I was delighted that Julie was recommended to us. She was able to provide our son with a pitch perfect level of support, and critically, was able to do this online during lockdown. Always engaging and fun, she also shared lots of ideas of things we as parents could do at home to support the speech therapy. Our son has made great progress with Julie's support. Could not recommend highly enough."

Deb – Mother of 6 year old

Contact Us

To ask a question or contact us please complete the form below and we will be in touch soon.

(01670) 719791

Quarryside House, Middle Farm Square, Cramlington, Northumberland. NE23 1BA.

info@speechstuff.co.uk

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