Future life with Fiveways School
“What does a good life look like for me now and in the future?”

Communication and Interaction

Here at Fiveways we strongly believe that communication is the centre of all learning and the core focus for pupils throughout the curriculum. Everyone has the right to communicate and we strive to promote pupil choice, control and independence. The specialist Communication and Interaction Team works collaboratively with staff and parents to break down individual barriers to communication, to develop their voice and reach their full potential.

All pupils have a communication profile. This provides key information of an individual’s level of communication ability and how best to support their speech, language and communication needs.

We offer a range of assessments and work with teachers to set and monitor personal learning targets. Pupils have the opportunity to access a range of tailored programmes to develop speech, expressive language, comprehension and social interaction skills.

  Click on the link for more information


Inclusive Communication Environment: Creating a rich language environment for all

Fiveways School strives to create supportive, inclusive communication environments. We embrace and value all forms of communication equally and emerge these strategies within our classrooms and areas across the school. We strongly believe in supporting our pupils to have the best opportunities to develop language and learn how to use their communication effectively.

We are able to offer a range of specific alternative and augmentative communication (ACC) strategies.

What is AAC?

We support a range of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)  strategies. AAC techniques supports or replace communication. These include gesture, signing, written words, symbols, photos, communication boards and boards, electronic devices

Modelling Communication

To help our pupils to learn language and how to communicate using a communication system. They need to see what the words/symbols mean and how to use them in everyday situations and natural interactions.

We use a modelling (aided language) approach, this involves using communication systems as we speak. This involves pointing to vocabulary whilst talking naturally. Through showing the pupil’s how to use their language in context repeatedly and consistently they will learn how to communicate meaningfully and for lots of different reasons.


Claire Theobald – Communication and Interaction Lead

ctheobald@fiveways.school

Jane Tucker – Communication and Interaction Assistant

jtucker@fiveways.school


Click the symbols below for more information about some of the communication strategies used at Fiveways School