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Communication & Interaction Resources
“Communication and Interaction” is a core area within the EHCP framework. It refers to a child or young person’s ability to talk, understand, communicate with others, including interpreting non-verbal cues.
Tailored strategies are provided in an EHCP to support the child or young person’s unique communication and interaction needs, such as speech and language therapy, recommended school-based provision and/or specialised classroom strategies, helping them to thrive in an educational environment.
General
These cover tools and strategies designed to support a range of communication areas. This includes universally applicable guidance and activities, rather than targeting specific disorders or communication difficulties.
AAC
Resources to support those who need Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) strategies or tools. AAC provides a means for a person to express themselves through unaided methods, e.g., sign, and aided methods such as symbols, pictures or electronic devices for those who have limited verbal communication.
Attention & Listening
Targets the development and enhancement of general attention and attention related to auditory information. These resources are to help children to focus and engage in activities, fostering better communication and understanding in educational environments.
Autism
This is a type of neurodivergence that impacts an individual’s way of perceiving the world. Autistic individuals are likely to show differences in social communication and repetitive patterns of behaviour or restricted interests compared with neurotypical individuals, present since early childhood (see DSM-V).
Language
Language is the term used for the words, grammar and sentences that we understand and use to communicate. Language is both receptive (i.e., understanding what others are saying) and expressive (using words, phrases and sentences to communicate our ideas). Difficulties, especially with receptive language, are not easy to identify as they can be hidden. If they are not identified, there is often frustration and anger which can lead to emotional and behaviour needs.
Selective Mutism
This is a specific anxiety-based mental health disorder where there is persistent inability to speak in specific situations whilst being able to speak in others. Selective mutism can significantly interfere with social or academic functions. This is a phobia, not a choice.
Speech
This refers to the physical production of sounds that we use to build words, phrases and sentences. Those with speech needs may find it difficult to say sounds accurately or in the correct places in words. Identifying errors that are expected as part of normal speech development, those that have persisted past a certain age and errors that are atypical in speech allows provision can be put in place where needed.
Stammering
A condition that affects a person’s ability to produce fluent speech. Also known as “stuttering” (US) or dysfluency. Those who stammer might repeat sounds, parts of words or whole words, prolong sounds or be unable to get sounds out when they are speaking.
Voice
This refers to the vocal quality of an individual. This section covers resources to support those to look after their voice, alongside strategies and advice for those where the quality of voice is not normal for the individual.
How do I access the SEN Resources?
Just a quick reminder that the resources on the following section are probably copyrighted, so please do not share them with anyone, use them in your school to help your pupils, and if anyone asks or wants a copy, direct them to the website. We are all for sharing the wealth, but I’m sure you’ll know there are people out there that will pinch stuff, charge people and hand it out. It’s not great when you can get it for free…
Anyway, enjoy the Free SENCO resources for Communication and Interaction. We will be adding more over time, so make sure to check back regularly to see what’s new!