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How West SILC creates a consistent communication environment with Widgit
Embedding symbols across school and home to support communication, understanding and independence
At West Specialist Inclusive Learning Centre (West SILC), communication is at the heart of learning, relationships, and wellbeing. Supporting more than 300 learners aged 2–19 across a wide range of SEND pathways, the school has embedded a Total Communication approach throughout their daily practice.
As part of this approach, West SILC made the decision to move to Widgit Online, implementing Widgit Symbols consistently across the whole school environment.
Hannah Atkinson, Leader of Communication at West SILC, explained that the school wanted a more modern, accessible and consistent approach to visual communication.
When I came back from maternity leave, I’d seen other schools using Widgit, and it just looked much more modern, intuitive and age-appropriate.
Widgit Online is now used daily by staff across West SILC to create a wide range of visual communication supports, including visual timetables, aided language displays, choice boards, communication books, task plans, Now and Next boards, symbol-supported sensory stories, and objects of reference paired with symbols and photographs.
We basically use it for every visual that we create. You see it in every single classroom, which is lovely.
Widgit signage is also displayed throughout the school to create a consistent communication environment for learners. Symbols are used on classroom doors, around transition points, and across shared spaces to support understanding, reduce anxiety, and help learners navigate the school day more independently.
We wanted consistency. If we’re using aided language displays, it made sense that they matched and that the core vocabulary stayed the same across the school.
Since introducing Widgit Symbols, staff engagement with visual communication has significantly increased.
All staff use Widgit Online all the time. You can see the difference in the amount of visuals that are used now.
West SILC has also started using Widgit Symbols to strengthen communication between school and home. Families are now using symbol-supported resources at home, helping to create greater consistency for learners across different environments.
We’ve got parents that we send symbols home to, and then they send us pictures back. We didn’t have that before. The children are getting better in class because there’s consistency at home.
West SILC’s communication framework recognises that every learner communicates differently and may use a combination of speech, symbols, AAC, signing, objects of reference, gesture, sensory experiences or technology.
By embedding Widgit consistently across the school, West SILC has created a communication-rich environment that supports learners in understanding, expressing themselves, regulating emotions, and participating more independently in everyday school life.
It was the best decision we ever made.
Make your own symbol materials
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