Increase observations to understand how the young person communicates, with who and where do they communicate best, what their strengths and interests are, and how these can be used to encourage engagement in the classroom.

Monitor how the young person responds to your communication with them and whether they follow the words you are saying and/or the gestures you are using.

Develop close home and school links to ensure strategies are used across both environments to support the generalisation of skills.

Ask young peoples what strategies support them best in the classroom and communicate these across all staff to ensure consistency. Consider creating a One Page Profile.

ELKLAN - accredited courses for education and other staff working with those with speech, language and communication needs. Provides staff with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of practical ideas and skills to deliver a range of small-group, targeted interventions. (Elklan Trained TAs).

Secondary Language Builders Resources  from ELKLAN are practical books which provides detailed advice and activities to promote the speaking and listening skills for secondary aged young people.

Support key adults to understand and respond to behaviours associated with communication and interaction difficulties (e.g. frustration at not being able to communicate, distressed behaviours as a result of not understanding spoken instructions of expectations, through peer-peer networks or training courses - also see the SEMH and Getting Risk Support sections and training pages).