Our Communication Curriculum
Communication is at the heart of learning at The White House School.
Communication
At The White House School, communication is central to everything we do. We recognise that strong communication skills are the foundation for learning, relationships, independence and wellbeing.
Because we know our pupils as individuals, we understand how each child communicates and how they need others to communicate with them. Our bespoke communication curriculum removes barriers to learning by giving pupils the tools, strategies and confidence they need to express themselves and understand the world around them.
Through our Healthy Minds, Happy Hearts ethos and Learn & Thrive curriculum, communication development is embedded across every subject, every classroom and every interaction throughout the school day.
Our Total Communication approach
We use a Total Communication approach, meaning pupils are supported to communicate in whatever way works best for them.
- Spoken language
- Signalong
- Visual supports
- Symbols
- Communication books
- AAC
- PECS strategies
- Body language and facial expression
- Visual timetables
All pupils at The White House School learn Signalong, helping to create a shared communication system across the school community.
It supports pupils to understand spoken language, express themselves clearly, communicate with peers and build confidence in social interaction.
A personalised communication journey
Each pupil has an individual Communication Profile within their Pupil Passport. This helps staff understand how the pupil communicates, how they prefer others to communicate with them, how communication changes depending on regulation level and which strategies support them best.
Speech and language therapy programmes, targeted interventions and daily structured opportunities to practise communication are carefully integrated into each pupil’s learning journey.
Across the Curriculum
Communication is taught explicitly and embedded across all curriculum areas.
Key Skills
Communication is central to English, phonics, reading, writing and mathematics learning.
- develop vocabulary and language understanding
- communicate ideas through speech, symbols or writing
- explain thinking and reasoning
- read functional communication such as instructions, messages and emails
- use communication safely and confidently online
All pupils learn Signalong, helping create a shared communication system across the school community
Life Skills and Wellbeing
Communication is taught as an essential life skill.
- communicate personal information such as name and address
- describe illness or injury
- express feelings and needs
- ask for help
- communicate safely within the community
Mindfulness teaching also supports pupils to communicate thoughtfully and regulate emotions before responding.
Personal and Physical Development
Communication supports pupils to develop relationships, confidence and independence.
- communicate safely in their community
- work collaboratively with others
- share ideas respectfully
- express emotions appropriately
- advocate for themselves
Emotional literacy teaching helps pupils develop vocabulary to describe their feelings and social experiences.
Knowledge and Understanding of Our World
Pupils learn subject-specific vocabulary that helps them engage with the wider world.
- scientific investigations
- topic discussions
- RE learning
- outdoor learning experiences
- teamwork activities
These opportunities help pupils practise expressing opinions, asking questions and sharing ideas confidently.
Creative Enrichment
Pupils learn subject-specific vocabulary that helps them engage with the wider world.
- scientific investigations
- topic discussions
- RE learning
- outdoor learning experiences
- teamwork activities
These opportunities help pupils practise expressing opinions, asking questions and sharing ideas confidently.
Preparing for the future
Teaching time across the week is carefully balanced to support both academic
progress and personal development:
50% — Key Skills
English, Mathematics, Communication, Digital Literacy, Life Skills and Wellbeing
16% — Life Skills and EHCP Target Time
Personal independence, organisation, regulation strategies and individual outcomes
10% — Personal and Physical Development
PSHE, relationships education, emotional literacy, PE and wellbeing
16% — Knowledge and Understanding of Our World
Science, topic learning, outdoor learning and understanding the wider world
8% — Creative Enrichment
Art, music, design and enrichment opportunities
Communication within the Discovery Pathway
For pupils following the Discovery Pathway, communication development is a primary curriculum focus.
- Attention Autism sessions
- structured social interaction
- turn-taking and shared attention
- early interaction skills
- AAC strategies
- PECS
- Signalong-supported communication
- communication through play and sensory exploration
Communication supported by relationships and environment
As a small specialist school, relationships are central to communication development. Staff model clear and respectful communication, adapt communication based on regulation needs, pre-teach vocabulary, use visual timetables and provide language-rich learning environments.
These approaches help pupils feel understood and confident communicating with others.
For life
Our communication curriculum helps pupils develop the skills they need to express themselves, build friendships, take part in learning, stay safe in their community and develop independence.
- Express thoughts and feelings
- Build friendships
- Participate in learning
- Stay safe in the community
- Develop independence
- Prepare for adulthood
Communication Curriculum Policy
View our Communication Curriculum Policy for more information about how communication is supported across the school.
Discovery Pathway
Curiosity Pathway
“Supporting pupils’ communication skills is a focus in all subject areas. Through a range of bespoke strategies, pupils are helped to articulate their views.”