PSHE: communication difficulties at P level 8

The challenge at P level 8 is in developing the concepts of agreed codes of behaviour and in being sensitive to the needs and feelings of others.

The pupil with communication difficulties will need support in working together, considering others and being fair by following a set of rules.

You can:

• Try using role play to develop these areas. Get pupils without communication difficulties to offer support and use concrete examples, of what has happened in the classroom or playground. Work through these scenarios and agree a better solution than the one that happened. Support the role play with cue cards, symbols or communication aids.
• Try to keep language simple and clear, giving time for the pupil to process and to respond where they wish.
• Try using SEAL resources. There are excellent year-group resources and also a silver set for a group of pupils that might need additional support.
• Make sure that pupils who struggle to communicate are not judged entirely by their verbal competence in measuring their attainment in PSHE. Allow non-verbal communication to be acceptable if it demonstrates understanding and empathy.