Most pupils enter school with few, if any, language skills. Indeed, some are pre-verbal communicators and the vocabulary of many is somewhat limited. The acquisition of receptive and expressive language and/or of the ability to use and understand signing is, therefore, fundamentally important to all learning which takes place and underpins all aspects of the curriculum.
We strive to be a total communication environment that is tailored to each pupils’ communication need. The use of Makaton signs is used to support a pupils’ communication. Objects of Reference and photographs, and symbols are used to being encouraged the development of communication across the whole school. Pupils who can access PECs do so as a way to communicate a need, ideas and develop communication skills. The school uses the software package ‘Communicate in Print’ to produce all symbol-based learning resources and use PCS symbols to ensure a consistent approach is used. Low Tech AAC is encouraged for the pupils with emerging levels of communication. Higher Tech AAC aids are also advocated where needed, such as Communication Aids.
