Creating Communication-Friendly Spaces

• Communication Environment Checklist

  You can use this checklist to see how communication friendly your setting already is and identify areas to develop.

  Download a communication environment checklist

• Space, Layout & Seating Arrangements

  • The classroom should be arranged so that all children can see the teacher, board, displays etc.
  • Pay particular attention to seating arrangements for children who need the greatest access. For example, children with poor attention skills should sit at the front of class or away from distractions. children with a hearing loss should be able to see the teacher’s face, particularly if they use lip pattern to support understanding.
  • Give consideration to how children are seated to support group work and discussions.
  • Make sure that the environment is not too ‘busy’ in terms of colour and displays to avoid sensory chaos.
  • Consider using a neutral background for wall displays and make this consistent across the setting.

• Visual Support

  This includes the use of signs, symbols, pictures, diagrams, objects and colour-coding. It also includes non-verbal communication such as natural gestures, facial expression and body language.

  Visual support can help children’s understanding by:

  • Maintaining focus of attention.
  • Reducing load on memory.
  • Supporting written text and spoken language.
  • Condensing information or highlighting key ideas.

  Children with SLCN particularly benefit from visual support. For example, they can benefit from the extra processing time that visual support allows.

• Implementing Visual Support in the Classroom

  • Use labels with photographs and words to support understanding of location. For example, on trays & cupboards to show where. resources are kept or above pegs to show where children hang their coats & bags.
  • Use visual timetables to show the structure of the whole day e.g. maths, literacy, break.
  • Use task plans to show what the pupil needs to do for a particular activity. This will help support independence by giving them step by step instructions.
  • Use colour-coding to show the structure of sentences and questions.
  • Use prompt cards to teach and reinforce rules.
  • Use demonstrations to explain new activities.

• Light & Noise Levels

  • Be aware of background light e.g. from windows.
  • Keep background noise and distractions to a minimum and manage this on a consistent basis.
  • Be mindful of noise from equipment and consider soft furnishing to absorb sound.