East Renfrewshire may have to consider employing its own speech and language therapists because of the failings of the present service run by health trusts.
The council was yesterday (Thursday) expected to restructure a service that is under increasing pressure from parents who want better provision and a clearer idea about the number of hours of help their children will receive.
Headteachers say they find it difficult to monitor the service and feel that many contracted sessions never take place when therapists are on staff development courses. Parents also find waiting times unacceptable.
The authority’s existing service is run jointly by Yorkhill Trust and NHS Argyll and Clyde.
In the longer-term, the council may establish up to nine equivalent posts under its own direction. It already employs peripatetic teachers for the hearing impaired and visually impaired.
