Introduction 

The National Curriculum clearly states that the English Language is an essential, if not THE essential role of the primary school. At St Joseph's, we want to give our children the ability to communicate effectively, and confidence in the art of speaking and listening, so that they can apply their skills and knowledge across the curriculum to debate, discuss, take on roles, ask and answer questions, listen and enjoy conversing. To enable this, the knowledge we teach the children enables them to use appropriate register, to choose from a range of vocabulary and to use standard English accurately in their spoken and written language.  

Children with SEND

Our children with any additional needs access the same high quality teaching and learning in speaking and listening as their peers. Our curriculum is fully inclusive. Children may also be supported through an Individual Provision Map with additional 1:1 support for speaking and listening needs. We work closely with a variety professionals to support our children who may have difficulties with speech articulation, progression with vocabulary or processing language.

Specific individual targets would be written into a provision map.

Where necessary a differentiated curriculum is fully planned to take into account individual needs within the high quality whole class teaching. In speaking and listening, this could mean that a child:

- works in a quieter, small space to aid hearing or reduce sensory stress

- has extra time to rehearse and plan speaking activities

- pre-plans vocabulary being used within activities to aid understanding and articulation 

This is monitored by our SENCO - Greg Ferris- and parents are fully engaged and involved.