The Avenue School

Special Needs Academy

Communication

Communication Intent

Pupils at The Avenue School experience barriers to learning that significantly affect their ability to communicate (expressive and receptive). As a result, we identify and emphasise the importance of developing and sustaining communication across all areas of learning.

We use Total Communication to help our pupils access and understand the world around them. We aim to give each pupil the most effective mode of functional communication in relation to their needs and learning potential. This supports our overall aim of helping our pupils grow into well rounded young adults who are able to take the lead in living inspirational, happy lives as independently as possible.

 

Total communication strategies may include:

  • Objects of reference
  • Makaton signing
  • Photos
  • Symbols
  • Pictures/drawings
  • Natural gestures and body language
  • Voice output communication aides and computer-based systems
  • Sound cues
  • Speech and spoken language (reduced for pupils with complex SEND)

 

Communication Implementation

'Receptive communication' refers to an individual’s ability to comprehend the language they hear or read. Once we have assessed a pupil’s receptive level, we can provide the support through:

  • Objects of Reference (OOR)
  • Photographs
  • Symbols
  • Makaton
  • Social Stories

'Expressive communication' refers to a pupil’s ability to express their wants, needs, opinions, fears and feelings. We support pupils to express themselves through:

  • Physical Objects
  • Intensive interaction
  • Communication Boards & Books
  • Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA)
  • Makaton
  • Expressive Oral Language
  • Visual Support Systems
  • Observing behaviours (understanding behaviour is communication)
  • Picture Exchange Communication Systems (PECS)

We also support pupils with more specialist techniques and strategies across the school that includes;

  • AAC
  • Eye Gaze
  • Experiential Learning
  • Visual Skills
  • E-Tran
  • Partner-assisted scanning
  • Objects of reference
  • On body signs
  • Switches

 

Communication Impact

Strategies are implemented throughout the day and are monitored regularly by the Deputy Headteacher: Quality of Education (DHT).

The quality of communication systems and exchanges are regularly monitored and each class have individualised feedback given to them on a half-termly basis.

The DHT works in partnership with speech and language therapy and the wider professional team to ensure that communication systems are appropriate for the student and they allow the student to communicate as independently as possible.

 

Impact of the communication policy and leadership input is seen through:

  • Effective use of communication systems consistently across the pathways and school day
  • Students are confident in using their preferred and appropriate communication system
  • Students have a toolkit to express themselves confidently in their lives (in school and beyond)

 

To learn more about our use of Makaton - please click here.

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