Communication and Interaction
Communication is fundamental to a child’s development. The ability to communicate and interact with others is essential for children to learn, play and develop friendships. At Nine Mile Ride Primary School we are committed to supporting children’s development of communication and interaction skills.
Some children experience difficulties with communicating and interacting with others. They may experience difficulties with one or more of the following:
- Understanding what others are saying
- Using words to express themselves
- Listening and paying attention
- Interacting with other children
- Pronouncing words
- Speaking fluently
How do we support it?
At Nine Mile Ride we support children’s communication and interaction needs in several ways as they are essential for children’s development.
Speech Link and Language Link screening assessments are used to check the speech and language skills of all children who may be displaying difficulties. This screening process is carried out to identify children who need support with their communication and interaction skills.
High Quality Teaching
The high quality teaching at Nine Mile Ride promotes communication and interaction development. Some children have mild communication difficulties that can be supported through high quality teaching in class.
We have staff members who have completed training courses in language and communication support e.g Makaton, Elkan, support from Reading University Speech and Language Department. Black Sheep Press resources are widely used across the school.
Targeted / Individualised support
Language Link
Screening tool and subsequent intervention to support speech language and communication needs. Al children are screened on entry to Reception.
Speech Link
Speech Link is used to identity and support children with developmental speech sound difficultes. Assessment will usually be completed prior to a referal to SALT.
Time to Talk
This small group intervention is used with children aged between 4-d who need a helping hand in developing their oral and social interaction skills. It can also help a chid find their voice and improve the oral language skills.
Talkabout
A series of social communication programmes aimed at KS2 which are aimed at improving Social Communications such as Listening, Conversational Skills, Body Language Awareness, Assertiveness
Word Aware
A structured whole school approach to promote the vocabulary development of all children.
Black Sheep Narrative
This evidence-based approach aims to develop children’s speaking and listening skills through narrative features: who, where, when, what happened, the end. Used across the whole school.
Visual Timetables
Used in all classrooms to help children with the structure of the day. Individual schedules used for children who require personalised support.
Social Stories
Stories written and shared with children to introduce them to new social situations, change in routine or to address behavioural changes. Shared at school and at home
Widget
Visual symbols used alongside written words. Can be used as a learning tool, as part of visual timetable and to create now/next boards.
What can you do at home?
If you think your child might need help with their communication and interaction needs at home you can support them in the following ways:
- Emphasising key words or phrases when speaking to them
- Ensuring that attention is gained before asking questions or giving instructions
- Use their name to gain their attention
- Using non-verbal means of communication e.g. gestures (nodding/ shaking head), picture cards (for daily routines)
- Engage the child in joint activities that they have an interest in
- Follow the child lead, rather than directing them this will make them more likely to engage in the activity