Provide a classroom that uses a range of teaching and learning styles with emphasis on use of gestures, key visuals and concrete examples to support spoken language.

Allow additional time to process and respond if needed. For example, if multiple instructions are given, pace these. Or if a young person is feeling stressed or overwhelmed, pause and reduce communication.

Check the children’s understanding by asking them what they need to do after they have been told.

Support children’s understanding of multi-step activities using task plans or visual schedules.

Display question prompts on the wall for school staff to initiate communication.  For example, using the Blank Levels (Language of Learning model - a child is operating at a specific level when they can answer at least 80% of questions at that particular level):

• Level 1 Naming (language demands rely on teaching materials, e.g. objects/pictures);

• Level 2 Describing (language relates to teaching materials, e.g. objects/pictures);

• Level 3 Retelling, (language has less emphasis on the teaching materials);

• Level 4 Justifying and Problem Solving (language is more advanced than the teaching materials).

The TALC assessment is based on the Blank level model and helps to assess and develop the understanding and verbal reasoning skills of all primary-aged children who experience difficulty understanding what is said to them.

Draw upon small group programmes to develop listening and receptive language skills, for example:

Small Blank Level groups for children working below level 4.

Pre-teach Tier 2 vocabulary ((see Getting Advice section for information on riers), so that children have been exposed to new word meanings prior to lessons. Use  Word Aware 3 or  Word Square.

Support understanding of maths vocabulary and concepts using visual resources Visual supports for maths

The BLAST programme (Boosting Language Auditory Skills and Talking) can be used with children aged 3-5. There is also a 4-8 package available.

Infant Language Link to support children (4-8 years old) with mild to moderate language and communication needs and those new to English.