The introduction of a new communication programme, ‘Talking Mats’, has improved well-being outcomes and attainment for children who require increased communication support in our schools and early years centres.
Throughout 2022-2023, the Council launched a ‘Talking Mats’ pilot in 12 schools, specifically focusing on staff training, professional enquiry and S6 Communication Partnerships. Feedback from staff following the pilot phase feedback highlighted the following benefits;
- Improved staff/pupil relationships
- Improved pupil confidence
- Improved pupil self-reflection
- Improved pupil wellbeing
- Increased sense of pupil calm/reduced levels of dysregulation
- Quality of information supported professional discussion
- Increased pupil engagement
- Positive parent/carer feedback
- Talking Mat informed planning of supports.
Following a report outlining the positive impact of the pilot, the Education Committee agreed to continue training staff in using Talking Mats communication methods in the next academic year.
The ability to communicate effectively is key to an individual’s autonomy and the results of the pilot show the Talking Mats programme effectively supports children and young people with impaired communication.
“The introduction of the programme has also been an opportunity for our young people in S6 to contribute and participate in training; a group of S6 pupils demonstrated Talking Mats in a training workshop and they have worked with the Licensed Trainers to help train staff from schools and early years centres. The young people involved have been developing confidence and learning new skills and at the same time providing staff with the tools to better support children and young people with augmented communication requirements.”
Councillor Williamson added, “By rolling out increased training across our schools, we hope to see even more children and young people benefiting from this programme in the next academic year.”
