A Guide to Communication at Tiffield Academy

Our Vision, Learning Intent

At Tiffield Academy, we celebrate every learner’s unique way of communicating and encourage them to grow with curiosity, confidence, and the ambition to keep moving forward. Our learners communicate in many different ways, and every one of those ways is valued. Total Communication means embracing speech, Makaton, symbols, pictures, written words, gestures, facial expressions, body language, Gestalt Language Processing, and assistive technology — because every learner deserves a voice that works for them.

We are building a communication-rich environment where every learner can explore, express, and connect throughout their school day. By celebrating all forms of communication, we make sure every learner is understood, every message is heard, and every interaction becomes a chance to grow with confidence and joy.

Implementation

At Tiffield Academy, we live our ethos — be kind, be curious, be ambitious — by creating a communication-rich environment where every learner’s voice is valued. Through a Total Communication approach, we use speech, Makaton, symbols, pictures, gestures, body language, assistive technology, and Gestalt Language Processing to ensure every learner can express themselves in the way that works best for them.

Kindness shapes how we listen and respond; curiosity drives learners to explore new communication tools; ambition ensures we support every child to grow in confidence and independence. For our Pathway 3 & 4 learners, Oracy is embedded within the literacy curriculum, giving them structured opportunities to develop spoken language, vocabulary, and expressive skills.

Intent

Our approach ensures that every learner at Tiffield Academy feels understood, valued, and able to connect with others. Learners become more confident communicators, using a range of tools and strategies to share their ideas, needs, and feelings. They engage more deeply in learning, build stronger relationships, and experience greater joy in being heard.

For Pathway 3 & 4 learners, the integration of Oracy strengthens vocabulary, expressive language, and classroom participation. Across the school, our ethos helps learners grow into kind communicators, curious thinkers, and ambitious individuals ready to take their next steps with confidence.