Communication
At Exeter House School developing our students’ communication skills is priority for all students
Communication is a fundamental area within the school and our school visions and values are reflected in every aspect of our teaching and our students learning. The majority of our students have communication outcomes identified in their EHCP.
Our communication curriculum intent and implementation is personalised for each individual student.
At Exeter House School communication involves a number of linked areas, such as supporting emotional regulation using the Zones of Regulation, sensory OT input and knowledge of how to support the regulation of sensory needs, clear and consistent routines and structures both across the schools and bespoke to classes and individual students, and the recognition of ‘behaviour’ as a communicative tool. These core components together create a steadfast approach to communication where students are supported to communicate their needs, thoughts and feelings, and their voices can be heard whether this is through speech, AAC use, body language or through their actions.
The following are means of communication are used within the school according to the student’s individual needs:
- Intensive Interaction
- Objects of Reference
- Communication Books
- Makaton Signing
- Photos and Symbols
- Picture Exchange and Schedules
- Low Tech Aids like core vocabulary boards
- High Tech Aids such as eyegaze and Ipad communicators
- Speech