Lights, camera, action: how we used video to support a student with complex communication needs

The Westminster School, Sandwell, is a specialist provision for pupils with moderate learning difficulties (MLD) aged 7-19. Over the last few years, the school has started to see a change in its cohort with an increased number of pupils with severe learning difficulties (SLD) and complex learning difficulties and disabilities (CLDD). This group now represents around half of the school population. Our communication challenge The rapid change of needs in the school has required staff to review their pedagogy. We have staff on the school team who are very experienced and skilled, but even for these practitioners, some learners come equipped with new challenges! Staff now encounter pupils with complex communication needs and require practical strategies to improve the quality of teaching and learning. As a school, our challenge has been to embed these strategies into our practice. Young people with severe learning difficulties require different a pedagogy to those with MLD. Imray &