Speech and Language

At Castledon. we use a total communication approach to support pupils with their expressive and receptive communication development. We have a range of universal supports, which are used for pupils across the school, and a designated speech and language therapist, who provides training and ongoing monitoring of implementation. Our speech and language therapist does not provide direct therapy, however, we do work closely with colleagues from the NHS speech and language service for pupils, who require additional speech and language input, and support pupils to transfer their speech and language targets into the classroom.

We use Blanks Level questioning across the school, and when pupils join Castledon they are assessed using the Test of Abstract Language Comprehension or the Renfrew Action Picture Test (RAPT), which ensures that they are able to access questions at the appropriate level. Training is provided for staff to ensure that they are able to use Blanks Level questioning effectively across the curriculum. To support pupils to access learning and develop their communication skills, we use WidgetOnline. This is a program that enables symbolised resources to be created in a range of templates and for a range of purposes.

Our Communication Castledon Key Learning Skills document underpins our curriculum, and all pupils are set annual targets as part of the Annual Review process, which are taken from this document to support pupils to meet their communication EHCP outcome. In order to support pupils to meet their target, strategies from the universal support document may be used which include, but are not limited to: visual timetables, 3-step boards, social stories (© Carol Gray), prompt cards, and modelling.

We use the Zones of Regulation to support pupils with communicating and understanding their emotions, and all pupils have access to an age-appropriate Zones of Regulation toolkit in the classroom. For pupils requiring additional support with regulating their emotions, a more personalised approach will be implemented with an individualised toolkit. In line with EHCP outcomes, targets may be set from the PSD Castledon Key Learning Skills and/or SCERTS (Social Communication, Emotional Regulation and Transactional Support) documents.

Where a pupil requires additional support with their communication skills, our speech and language therapist may provide support through additional resources and training for the class team, or, with parental consent, a referral to the NHS speech and language service. We are also able to provide parental support around communication and behaviour in the home, and can provide visual supports should this be requested.

Our speech and language therapist is Kimberley Howell.