1. Assessment
A joint assessment by the total communication lead and the speech and language therapist provides the school with a detailed analysis of the communication needs and barriers to learning for each pupil. This baseline assessment helps identify the most effective approaches, systems and resources required. These include a broad range of internationally recognised approaches, such as direct teaching, highly structured classroom environments and co-ordinated communication systems.
2. Planning the environment
The entire school building including corridors and shared spaces is set up as a ‘sensory supportive environment’ with minimal ambient noise or visual distractions. Sound dampening panels, a clearly defined purpose for every room, and a blank wall along each corridor and each room contribute to ensuring an appropriate environment for all pupils. The approach to all signage is also consistent and includes Welsh and English vocabulary, a photograph, a symbol and a physical object.
3. Training staff
The school has a clear focus on improving staff skills. Outcomes of an audit of staff training needs has led to the development of an extensive range of professional development opportunities. These include peer observations, access to and discussions about international research, and the provision of exemplar resources.
A communication champion in each class helps maintain an overview of pupils’ needs and resources, and ensures the effective implementation of the whole school communication strategy.
4. Additional advice and support
The support and additional advice for teachers from the total communication lead, senior leaders, the speech and language therapist and other key staff are always available to help identify the most useful intervention for individual or groups of pupils. This advice, support or intervention also provides useful opportunities to model effective practice.
5. Support for parents and carers
The school provides a regular series of coffee mornings and training workshops to showcase methodology and troubleshoot challenges that individual families have in their home environment. Where necessary, the local authority ethnic minority service provides interpreters to support families to access these sessions.