Communication

Total Communication at Forest Way School

At Forest Way School, we believe that every learner has the right to be understood and to express themselves. Our Total Communication approach ensures that specialist support is embedded in all aspects of the school day. We empower our young people to develop a wide range of communication methods, enabling them to participate in meaningful interactions, express preferences, and make choices with increasing independence.

From choosing what to eat, to preparing for job interviews, our learners are supported to communicate in ways that are personalised, functional and empowering. These skills are not just academic — they are life-enriching.

Our Communication Environment

We provide a positive, nurturing and communication-rich environment where learners are supported through consistent modelling and appropriate communication aids. These help pupils understand routines, such as transitioning around school, and allow them to develop:

  • – Self-direction
  • – Initiative
  • – Confidence in interacting with others

In older Key Stages, learners extend these skills into real-world settings, building resilience and adaptability in a wide range of community-based experiences.

What We Provide – Our Total Communication Strategies

We tailor communication strategies to suit each learner’s individual profile. These include:

  • Non-verbal cues: eye contact, facial expressions, gestures, and body language
  • Visual supports: symbols, photographs, visual timetables, “First and Then” boards
  • Signing: Makaton, body signing
  • Low-tech AAC: communication books, boards, objects of reference, switch devices
  • High-tech AAC: voice output devices, eye gaze systems, specialist apps, and tablets
  • Expressive supports: drawing, writing, role-play, drama, and other creative media
  • Sensory & environmental adaptations: structured classrooms, visual cues, reduced noise, routine-based learning
  • Personalised communication plans: created in collaboration with Speech and Language Therapists (SALT), detailed in EHCPs, and reviewed regularly
  • Multi-agency collaboration: working alongside parents/carers and external professionals to support every pupil’s communication journey

Training & Consistency

All staff receive ongoing training in communication strategies to ensure that every environment is communication-friendly — from classrooms to dining halls and playgrounds. This consistency helps learners to generalise their skills across all settings.

Working With Families

We work closely with parents and carers to ensure communication is supported beyond the school environment. We provide:

  • Shared strategies between home and school
  • Advice and guidance on communication tools

Jo Rayns is our qualified Makaton Tutor who has taught the Makaton Language programme online and in a wide range of settings for professionals, carers and parents.

Jo has worked in special education for over 20 years, and has a wealth of experience in supporting the use of Makaton and other forms of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), for example, visual supports, social stories and electronic devices to support our students with all aspects of communication.