Communication at the Heart of the School: A Guide for Practitioners Working with Children with Learning Disabilities

Communication at the Heart of the School introduces a simple, practical approach for communication development in schools, with a specific focus on children with Severe Learning Difficulties (SLD) or Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties (PMLD).

The tried-and-tested framework offers a shared approach to communication development between teachers and speech and language therapists, moving through three crucial stages: the communication assessment, the communication pathway and the classroom environment. It provides a clear structure for the role of each professional and explains how they contribute to every aspect of the child’s communication development.

Key features include:

• A communication pathway that follows a yearly cycle of assessment, plan and intervention, identifying specific communication needs and offering advice on creating communication-friendly environments
• A focus on the shared vision of teachers and speech and language therapists, creating a united and team-led approach to communication development, ensuring that both therapists and teachers feel supported in tackling complex communication challenges effectively
• Photocopiable and downloadable assessment forms for accurately measuring outcomes in a time-friendly and accessible way

Underpinned by the Communication and Cognitive Framework currently used by teachers, speech and language therapists and families, this resource offers a complete package of communication support. It is an essential tool for speech and language therapists and teachers supporting children communicating at early developmental levels.

Table of Contents

1. Working Together
2. The Framework
3. Assessment
• Appendix 3.1 Example of a Completed Communication Assessment Band 2
• Appendix 3.2 Example of a Completed Communication Assessment Band 3
4. The Pathway to Successful Intervention
5. Communication Rich Classrooms
6. Specialist Intervention
7. Putting Communication at the Heart of the School into Practice
• Appendix 7.1 AB’S Timetable
• Appendix 7.2 Example of Letter Informing Families About Changes in the Speech and Language Therapy Approach in School

"Throughout the book the author’s experience and dedication to both the children in their care and their colleagues, shines through. From the careful explanation of the framework, how to assess and build meaningful individual plans, to creating successful communicative and learning classrooms, this book is clear; it inspires and it is inclusive."
- Clare Latham, MRCSLT

"Communication at the Heart of the School is really accessible and, from the perspective of a school leader wanting an inclusive approach, it is very straightforward. CATHS could be easily implemented into any School Improvement Plan."
- Lisa Leonard, Head Teacher The Chiltern School