Broader Curriculum

The Unit offers a broad and balanced curriculum, which a focus on the development of language skills.

The Unit's developmental, semantic curriculum, has been specifically designed to meet the needs of children with severe, specific speech and language disorders. Our approach does not assume previous knowledge, easy generalisation or casual acquisition of information, as language disordered children frequently have difficulties in this area. The children are grouped according to comprehension levels. Topic groups are small (2-4 children), allowing time for each child to participate fully.

Activities are not dependent on the acquisition of literacy and numeracy skills, although these are incorporated as they develop. The focus in on learning through practical activities, and the use of visual materials, to support the children's limited auditory-verbal skills.

We cover all areas of the child's world, progressing from a core vocabulary to cover history, geography and science targets at Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum. A rolling programme of topics is covered to facilitate consolidation of vocabulary and concepts. The aim is to extend understanding and vocabulary, and stimulate interest.

A range of early years skills and experiences (e.g. imaginative and exploratory play, motor skills and personal, social and emotional development), is also included.

(Reproduced with kind permission of the Nuffield Hearing and Speech Centre, Copyright NHSC)