Overview
A communication board is a tool that uses pictures and symbols to help children share what they need, want, or feel. Instead of using words, children can simply point to the image that best expresses what they want to say.
Purpose in the playground
Playgrounds are full of opportunities for fun, friendship, and learning. But for children who have speech or language differences, it can sometimes be hard to join in, ask for help, or share their ideas.
Communication boards make it easier. With simple pictures showing playground equipment, feelings, and common phrases, children can point to what they need – whether that’s asking a friend to play, letting an adult know they’re hurt, or sharing how they feel.
Supporting inclusion
Play is a big part of growing up. It helps children build confidence, resilience, and imagination. Communication boards make sure every child has a voice on the playground, so they can join in the fun and be part of the group.
Helping use the boards
- Encourage your child to explore the board.
- Model how to use it by pointing to pictures as you talk.
- Support children who may use it to share their needs or feelings.
By using communication boards, we create a playground where every child can play, connect, and belong.
Communication Boards and the PINS Programme
The Somerset area has been involved in piloting the PINS programme – a new model designed to support positive outcomes for neurodiverse students in mainstream schools. The programme also aims to strengthen partnerships between schools and parent carers, making sure children are better supported both in and out of the classroom.
As part of the first year of the programme, all 38 participating schools have installed communication boards in their playgrounds. These boards are designed to help every child, including those with speech or language differences, to express themselves and take part in play.
Each school involved in the pilot has received:
- One large playground communication board
- Three A3 waterproof portable versions
- Three A4 laminated portable versions
- A PDF version for printing additional boards when needed
These resources give schools the flexibility to use communication boards across different areas of the school, ensuring that every child has a way to share their needs, feelings, and ideas.
Designed in partnership
The design of the communication boards has been a true partnership effort. Somerset Parent Carer Forum CIC, NHS Somerset, Somerset Council, local schools, and parents of non-verbal children all worked together to shape the boards, ensuring they meet the needs of the children who will use them.
This work has been supported by Widgit, a pioneering software company with a passion for symbols-based communication. Widgit shares our commitment to empowering individuals to express themselves independently through symbols. Their tools help improve comprehension and understanding across a wide range of environments, making communication more accessible for everyone.