Communication & Interaction

Within the code of practice, communication and interaction is defined as follows:

Paragraph 6.29

‘Children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN) have difficulty in communicating with others. This may be because they have difficulty saying what they want to, understanding what is being said to them, or they do not understand or use social rules of communication. The profile for every child with SLCN is different and their needs may change over time. They may have difficulty with one, some or all of the different aspects of speech, language or social communication at different times of their lives.’

The SEN Code of Practice (2015) no longer includes ‘behaviour’ as part of this category of need. The reasoning is that a child’s behaviour is perceived as a communication about the child’s state of mind and may be caused by a variety of factors such as:

• anxiety
• sensory overload
• anger, including anger about pervasive life situations or undisclosed difficulties
• response to trauma or attachment difficulties
• frustration due to speech and communication difficulties
• response to the wrong level of challenge in lessons
• grief
• overwhelmed
• physical pain or discomfort.
• underlying mental health problems

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive.

Click on the document link below to see how we support pupils with SEMH needs at Oughterside Foundation School.