Emma Richards

Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

Emma Richards is a Highly Specialist Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist. She has gained considerable experience working within the NHS and independently since qualifying with a degree from Exeter University in 2001. Holding several posts within the NHS she has a wide range of experience working with children and young people aged 0-25 years.  She has a particular interest in early years complex needs, profound and multiple learning disability and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Emma enjoys both being part of a team and working independently but most importantly taking a holistic approach to intervention.

Specialism

Child Assessment, Child Therapy

Locations Covered

Devon

As you may be aware, on the 14th April 2025 the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) announced changes to the Fair Access limit with a reduction of funding to £3000 and the discontinuation of the separate Fair Access Limit for specialist assessments.

We are currently working really hard to amend quotes for ongoing therapy work to fit within the new Fair Access Limit and working closely with Adopt South West and other local RAAs. We are also working closely with other specialist adoption support providers and therapeutic organisations including DDP connects and Theraplay UK to explore how we can continue to deliver specialist therapies within this limit.

If you are waiting for a new package of therapy please look out for correspondence from ASW or your regional adoption support agency, as they will need to regain your consent for the amended therapy contract.

If you are concerned about the impact of the delay on your family or have questions about the therapy or assessment you are waiting for please get in touch with Ellen or Jen and we will do our best to support you.

We will be contributing to a wider response to this and the following is a link to a petition requesting government action – Petition · Action Against ASGSF Changes (Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund) – United Kingdom · Change.org