Total Communication

“Communication is crucial…. It is an essential life skill….and it underpins a child’s social, emotional and educational development.” (Bercow Review 2008)

Intent

We recognise that positive relationships and communication are inextricably entwined and essential to all learning experiences at Applebee Wood. Without relationship there is no desire to communicate and without communication further learning will not take place. At Applebee Wood, we aim to develop communication though out our whole curriculum and embedded into all aspects of our school day. Our Communication lead alongside Speech and Language therapists aim provide staff with relevant training, resources, knowledge and support to develop a total communication approach within classroom environments, around school and within each lesson suitable to the individual needs of our children and young people. A consistent whole-school approach will be developed to ensure progression for all.

Relationship and Communication are the first priorities for each pupil and a personalised approach is key to  development. This is not something that happens in isolation but over-arches all learning experiences and therefore, opportunities to develop communication skills should be maximised throughout the school day.

Implementation

Some pupils are assigned to a Speech and Language Therapist (SALT) who gives advice, activities and communication aids that are used in school and at home. All pupils have access to nurturing and responsive adults and holistic communication which is led by the individual child’s needs.  To support understanding, adults use a total communication approach. The total communication approach is about using a combination of communication methods for an individual to ensure the most successful forms of communication, information exchange and conversation. Methods used at Applebee Wood include PECS, Oracy, Objects of reference, Makaton, Photographs, Symbols – (Widgit),  Colourful Semantics,  Technology (AAC), spoken language and intensive interaction.  

Staff at Applebee Wood integrate communication strategies into their daily routines by ensuring the use of visual timetables, choice boards and now and next boards. Our total communication approach empowers students to express themselves, build relationships and engage in learning. By building a culture of inclusive communication, we enable our pupils to achieve their full potential. 

Impact

We hope that the communication skills that are learnt at Applebee Wood across the curriculum will prepare pupils with the skills they need to be confident communicators throughout their lives. We hope that the skills they learn in progression allow them to confidently progress to their next steps in life. Achievements are celebrated and pupils are encouraged to communicate their wants, needs and feelings on a daily basis in appropriate ways.

Meet Our Communication Champions

At Applebee Wood, we recognise the importance of communication and how it is necessary for our pupils. We developed our own team of communication champions who have the skills to enhance communication opportunities and resources within their classrooms and around school.

Miss D Henderson - Communication Lead