Symbols, based on the Widgit Literacy Symbol set, are extensively used at George Hastwell School to develop the communication skills of pupils who will benefit from being introduced to them. It is recognised that for some pupils symbols will assist the development of more traditional orthography skills while for others symbols will remain their main route to decoding text as well as potentially providing a means of comprehension and expression of language.

The school uses a wide range of educational technology to support the development of Communication and English skills. Technological resources include:

• single switches • a range of portable electronic communication devices • single and multiple message devices • Speech Viewer - a program which responds to sound • a range of computer systems • interactive whiteboards and interactive plasma screens • symbol software • word processing packages • a wide range of other computer software

This list indicates the range of technological resources available but is not comprehensive.

The Early Years Foundation Stage / The Primary Curriculum / Functional Skills English Younger pupils in school focus on the Early Years Foundation Curriculum. It is acknowledged that many learners may not achieve all the goals within the Early Years Foundation Curriculum and that it is appropriate for them to continue to work towards the goals.

At the time of reviewing this policy teachers were moving from using the National Literacy Framework to implementing the understanding english, communication and languages element of the New Primary Curriculum (following the review by Sir Jim Rose) which becomes statutory in 2011. It provides a basis for implementing the statutory requirements for speaking and listening, reading and writing.

The new framework will also provide pupils working within key stages 3 and 4 with an appropriate programme of learning while working towards the Functional Skills standards. The standards provide a suitable focus for pupils to acquire meaningful skills which can be applied in real contexts. Being part of the national pilot for Functional Skills has enabled pupils to access external accreditation in Functional Skills English (2008 and 2009).

From September 2010 learners who are 14-19 will be taught within the Foundation Learning Framework where the emphasis is placed on Functional Skills English.

George Hastwell School : Policy for Communication, Language & Literacy Page 3