Communication

At Hillside Specialist School and College our aim is to support the children to develop an individualised functional communication system, using a wide variety and combination of methods, strategies and approaches.

These include:

– Objects of reference

– Intensive Interaction

– Gesture, eye gaze and eye pointing

– Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

– Signing (Makaton)

– Speech

– Symbols

– Photographs

 – Augmentative Communication, such as Proloquo2Go on an iPad

All classes use a wide variety of these strategies within their daily routine, and each child has a communication passport detailing their individual needs. The Communication Team liaises with class teachers, teaching assistants and the Speech and Language Therapists to delivered tailored interventions throughout the school. This may be in class, one-to-one or in small groups and will support the children in learning the skills they need to communicate effectively, including making requests, developing social skills and the fundamentals of communication. All classroom staff receive in house training in communication strategies that are used in their classes.

Speech and Language Therapy
Ellie Keenan and Heather Page are Speech and Language Therapists from Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust.  As therapists in this school we provide services to children who have specific speech and language needs above and beyond their developmental or learning level. Our work in school includes liaising with school staff, assessing children’s communication, and supporting the classroom environment to meet the needs of the child or young person.

We will usually be in school on Tuesday and Thursday, and we welcome you to ring if you would like to discuss your child’s communication with us. Alternatively, on other days and during school holidays you can contact the Children’s Integrated Therapies and Nursing Service on 01772 777215.

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