Quest Training
Quest Training was formed by Jo Frost in 1999 to provide training for qualified speech and language therapists. We provide Cervical Auscultation Courses, and each spring we also provide a Paediatric and ALD Dysphagia course
VENUE
Our courses are held at The Techno Centre Coventry University. There is free on-site parking, and tickets are issued on the day.
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Cervical Auscultation Course
This is a practical skills-based course teaching the use of Cervical Auscultation as a screening tool for dysphagia.
Teaching will include the use of Cervical Auscultation for both adult and paediatric dysphagia.
The course will discuss the evidence and clinical implications of using Cervical Auscultation as a dysphagia-screening tool.
Learn more about this course
Assessment and Management
Eating drinking and swallowing difficulties in Adults with a Learning Disability and Children.
Working with eating, drinking and swallowing (EDS) difficulties is both challenging and deeply rewarding.
With the right training, your team can provide safe, skilled, and confident care.
Learn more about this course
Why SLTs and Managers Choose This Course
– Aligns fully with the RCSLT 2025 EDS Competency Framework
– Delegates return with practical tools, templates, and confidence
– No assessed element = less pressure, more flexible application
– Designed by experienced clinicians with real-world private and NHS insight
– Small group teaching ensures personalised, high-quality learning
Previous delegates were asked what the best part was of attending the 4 days teaching:
“The blended teaching approach incorporating both theory and practical activities. Also having examples of hypotheses and management plans etc. to refer to has been very helpful.“
“I gained a lot of knowledge and gained some confidence – I definitely could sense by the end that I knew what I was talking about a little bit more than at the beginning.”
“Having a clear baseline of information to assess and manage a child with dysphagia. The tutors were very experienced and knowledgeable so I felt confident with the information provided.”
“Developing my clinical observational skills in assessment and learning different management plans for clients.”
“Being able to try things in a safe space, ask questions, learn from colleagues, and have a go at writing reports.”
“Building the theory basis and carrying out some practice with support.”
“Dedicated learning time to focus on dysphagia.”
“It was really good to be able to apply the theory to practice by completing assessments and case studies.”
Tutors
Jenni Fraser
Jenni qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1995 and shortly after this completed her post-graduate training in Dysphagia for adults and school age children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities. In 2008 she became a Consultant Speech and Language Therapist for Dysphagia, working with adults and school age children with Intellectual and Physical Disabilities, adults with Mental Health problems and older adults. Since 2013 she has also worked with adults and school age children with brain injuries.
Jenni is keen to use her skills in teaching and mentoring to support skill development in others. She has regular teaching engagements in Dysphagia and guest lectures at both Birmingham City University and Coventry University. Her research portfolio includes a number of articles published in RCSLT’s Bulletin and presentations at both the International Dysphagia Research Society Annual Meeting in Texas in 2011 and the UK Swallowing Research Group Conference in 2014.
Jenni teaches the Cervical Auscultation Course and the Post Registration Dysphagia course for therapists with a Paediatric or Adult Learning Disability (ALD) caseload.
Sarah Vellacott
Sarah qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist in 1998 and has been Senior Specialist/Clinical Lead in Paediatric Dysphagia since 2001.
She has worked across a number of Acute and Community settings to provide clinical support to Paediatric and Neonatal Units along with taking a consultative and supervisory role within Special Schools. She has also worked within young adult neuro-rehabilitation.
Sarah began teaching this course in 2015. She has a passion to ensure dysphagia practitioners begin their journey with a deep understanding of this field. This ensures high standards of confidence and skill in effective assessment and management, whilst also appreciating how important their role is in enhancing the quality of life of their clients and families.
Sarah teaches the Post Registration Dysphagia course for therapists with a Paediatric or Adult Learning Disability (ALD) caseload
All NHS employees must provide a valid purchase order and correctly provide the address where the invoice is sent. Failure to do so will incur a £25 admin fee if invoices need to be reissued. No applications from NHS staff will be processed without a Purchase Order number. Non-NHS employees and those self-funding must complete the application form and include details of whom the invoice should be sent to. Payment of invoices must be made within 28 days of the date of invoice, but in any event before the start of the course. Invoices not settled within 28 days will incur an administration charge of 10%. In the event of payments not being made within the timeframe outlined above Quest Training UK LTD reserves the right to add 10% administration charge for each letter or telephone call related to the outstanding invoice. ANY PLACE THAT HAS NOT BEEN PAID IN FULL BEFORE THE START OF THE COURSE WILL BE CANCELLED BY THE COURSE ORGANISERS. Refunds will only be given if places are cancelled in writing at least ONE calendar month prior to the start of the course. All cancellations will be subject to a 20% administration charge. Cancellations made less than one month prior to the course starting will be subject to the full fee. Substitution of delegates is acceptable at any time. Written notice of all substitutions must be given. By attending any of the courses run by Quest Training UK LTD all delegates undertake not to disturb, interrupt or otherwise impair the course for any other delegates. Where necessary Quest Training UK LTD may at its own discretion and without discussion ask any delegate to leave the course. In such circumstances no refund of course fees will be given. NO DELEGATE IS PERMITTED TO MAKE RECORDINGS (VIDEO OR AUDITORY) OR TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS DURING ANY OF THE PRESENTATIONS. Applying for a course is acknowledgement that you have accepted and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions. By submitting an application form, you agree to our terms and conditions privacy policy.
Quest Training remains indebted to Judi Hibberd and Jeanne Taylor. Two generous and passionate speech and language therapists who wanted to share their knowledge and skills with others.
Over the years Judi and Jeanne created courses and assessments that continue to be sought after by Clinicians. Together they trained hundreds of therapists and instilled the need to provide a rigorous evidence-based practice to therapists working in the field of dysphagia.
For over 20 years they were instrumental in delivering Post Registration Dysphagia courses and Cervical Auscultation courses in Birmingham and across the UK.
They were also responsible for creating the JAYS Observational Assessments of Dysphagia (now in its 4th Edition ). These comprehensive assessments enable therapists to capture essential information easily and systematically when carrying out dysphagia assessments. They can be purchased by contacting us. Today the courses continue with new Tutors, the ethos and values of the courses remain a constant.
95% of attendees felt their knowledge of the subject had increased a lot
91% felt their skills in the subject had increased a lot
96% would recommend the course