Feeding and Swallowing Support for Babies, Children and Young People

Book a free 15 minute call now

At present my practice is not taking on new dysphagia clients and so I am not able to offer individual assessment or treatment at this time

When mealtimes feel hard

Feeding and swallowing difficulties can feel overwhelming.

As a parent or carer, mealtimes should be a source of connection - not stress. If you’re struggling with feeding your child, you’re not alone - I’m here to help.

I’m a Clinical Feeding Specialist with over 25 years’ experience supporting babies, children and young people with eating, drinking and swallowing difficulties (also known as Dysphagia or Paediatric Feeding Disorder PFD). I offer compassionate, clear and evidence based assessment and therapy. I’ll help you understand what’s going on and how to make mealtimes safer and more manageable.

In a world full of online advice and opinions, I can help cut through the noise and guide you to the information and approaches that match your baby, child or young person’s needs and skills.

Contact me to discuss how we can work together. Read some of my testimonials below.

How I can help your child

What I can help with:

✓ Babies and children who cough, splutter or refuse feeds

✓ Babies and children with unexplained, recurrent chest infections

✓ Children who avoid certain textures or gag on food

✓ Mealtime anxiety or distress

✓ Concerns about choking or aspiration

What to expect:

✓ A detailed, child-centred feeding assessment

✓ Clear explanations without jargon

✓ Personalised strategies

✓ Liaison with your wider healthcare team

Please note: If you are under the care of NHS Speech and Language Dysphagia services then your NHS SALT assessment and guidance will take priority.

How we work together:

✓ Home visit (depending on location) or online sessions UK wide if appropriate (swallowing assessments are carried out in person only)

✓ Written plan + follow up support

✓ One-off assessment or therapy block

✓ Written report if required

✓ Ongoing coaching support if you would find this helpful

Next steps - Book a free call:

Contact me to arrange a free 15 minute consultation. We can talk through your hopes and concerns, then plan an appropriate package of assessment and support to meet your and your child’s needs.

Fees for support with feeding and swallowing may vary depending on the complexity of your child’s needs. Fees for full initial assessment will be £270-£400 depending on complexity. Further ongoing support will be charged at £120-£150 per hour.

The fees for any reports required will be discussed prior to writing.

Happy 5 yr old boy with Downs Syndrome eating independently food using a fork
Gentle image of baby breastfeeding
Peaceful scene of toddler sitting in highchair being fed by their mother

My Approach:

I work together with you to offer calm, compassionate support to help you understand what’s happening and what might help. My approach is rooted in clinical knowledge, experience, holistic family-centred care and joint decision making.

“No pressure, no judgement - just calm, expert support tailored to your family”

Read some of my testimonials below

peaceful baby bottle feeding holding parent's finger
girl smiling while licking food from her finger

Whether you’re

  • managing breast/bottle feeding stresses,

  • worried about how your child is feeding, chewing or swallowing,

  • introducing solids/weaning and would like some support and guidance,

    I’ll work alongside you with thoughtful guidance, practical strategies and emotional reassurance.

I will assess your child’s feeding and swallowing skills, offer advice and feeding therapy for babies, children and young people, where appropriate, and signpost to other services when needed. My support is designed to fit your family - no pressure, no judgement, just calm expertise and care.

mother and toddler enjoying cooking together

Parent Testimonials - Helping children enjoy eating and drinking safely

  • Parent - 18month old

    “Feeding is the one thing we feel as mothers we can do naturally and when that doesn't happen it can be extremely tough for all…. Having someone who has experience to guide you when you have a child with rare or complex conditions is vital as you don’t know what you don’t know. Every time we review together things have improved from then on. … My child has come on leaps and bounds and wouldn’t have done this without Sarah’s support.”

  • Parent - 3yr old

    “We have lost count of the ways we have changed things to help from changing bottles, messy play, adapting textures based on my child’s feeding and also adapted my behaviours around mealtime too. It has increased my understanding of types of food, [importance of] correct seating and foot rest ….”

  • Parent - 2 yr old

    “Sarah Vellacott’s visits always have such a postive impact on us as a family. She is so understanding and reassuring and a real problem solver…. after every appointment I feel more positive….and come away with practical things to try and new foods/feeding techniques to explore - we’d be lost without her!”

  • Parent - 5yr old

    “Sarah went out of her way to make sure my daughter had the best treatment and aids”

  • Parent - 8 month old

    “Sarah’s support has been fundamental [to my child’s progress] I can honestly say a support we would have been lost without.

  • Parent - 3yr old

    “Sarah always offers solutions based on my child’s structure and breathing and eating habits. As this has continuously evolved so has the feeding plan, it has always been adapted and tailored to him and has been invaluable for us all.”