Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. We are passionate about communication and want to make our setting fully accessible to those children and families who use Makaton to aid their communication. We appreciate and understand that individuals use alternative methods to communicate and we provide a supporting and welcoming environment. By using Makaton signs and symbols in setting, along with our own ‘Sign of the week’, we promote inclusiveness and independence. We are confident that this approach is embedded in our setting.

To enhance our ability to support children with speech, language or communication difficulties, both SENCOs have completed a variety of Elklan Speech and Language training courses. It is important to understand our role in developing children’s communication and how to support children who have interaction difficulties. We have a range of strategies at our disposal and work confidently alongside Speech and Language Therapists, interpreting their reports and effectively delivering and monitoring their intervention programmes.

Wellcomm is a complete speech and language toolkit to be used with children from 6 months to 6 years. It is a way of tracking the progress of all pre-school children, regardless of ability. This gives us the opportunity to identify areas of concern in language, communication and interaction development, in order to ensure targeted early intervention. A ‘Big Book of Ideas’ provides over 150 instant play-based activities, so intervention and support can start immediately. The Wellcomm system is an approach which provides activities that can successfully be used at home, as we work positively in partnership with parents, carers and families.

As ‘Early Talk Boost’ trained practitioners, we are excited to support children using this important resource. Early Talk Boost is a targeted intervention program aimed at 3–4 year old children with delayed language development. It helps to boost children’s language skills and narrow the gap between them and their peers. Early Talk Boost supports: Attention and listening as a foundation skill for speaking and listening. Developing vocabulary; as research shows that children with weaker vocabularies are at risk of difficulties with reading. And, Building sentences; putting words together is a vital skill for having conversations and telling stories.

PECS is a unique alternative/augmentative communication system developed in the USA. PECS consists of six phases and begins by teaching an individual to give a single picture of a desired item or action to a “communicative partner” who immediately honors the exchange as a request. The system goes on to teach discrimination of pictures and how to put them together in sentences. In the more advanced phases, individuals are taught to use modifiers, answer questions and comment. Our SENCO has completed a PECS Level 1 course and oversees the whole staff team to ensure we implement this important communication strategy confidently and effectively. We feel this is an extremely valuable system which enhances communication skills and gives our pre school children their own voice.

'The Ultimate Guide to Phonological Awareness' was developed by Essex County Council as a free resource to help practitioners better understand the stages of phonological awareness and to provide structured activities and materials that can be used to teach early phonological awareness skills. We use this programme and deliver it as as part of our universal offer of provision for pre-school children. We also refer to it to help enable us to provide targeted or personalised intervention for children with identified needs. This may be with children who have difficulties with speech production or who may be working in similar areas, possibly supported by a Speech and Language Therapist.

We are really lucky to have a fully trained member of staff who has attended an accredited Attention Autism Programme Online Training and Coaching course with Gina Davies. It is a highly motivating and creative approach to building attention and early communication skills. So the activities need to be motivating, a shared experience and worth communicating about. It can be used with any child, not just those with autism. Staff need to use their own involvement as a model showing pupils how to join in and demonstrate what is expected. There are four stages to work through, following clear criteria which the whole team are involved in. Pictures are used to add structure and the early stages focus on gaining attention, sustaining attention and then shifting attention - working towards some early turn taking skills. Our sessions are held regularly and we are amazed at the progress and enjoyment that the children have gained. Always a popular activity, children quickly recognise the set up and are eager to sit down to join in! An accessible and beneficial activity for all our ladybirds children.