Emotional Difficulties
Selective Mutism
Reduce pressure to speak, build trust and security, and allow communication to develop gradually at the pupil's own pace.
Whole-class strategies
- Never pressure the pupil to speak or draw attention to their silence.
- Accept non-verbal responses: nodding, pointing, cards, writing or gestures.
- Keep a warm, low-pressure atmosphere and avoid direct 'put on the spot' questions.
- Build predictable routines so the pupil feels safe.
Building communication gradually
- Start with non-verbal and written communication and celebrate all of it.
- Use small, comfortable groups before expecting any whole-class contribution.
- Allow the pupil to communicate through a trusted friend or in pairs first.
- Move in tiny steps: from one-word answers in a safe setting toward more, at the pupil's pace.
Working with others
- Agree a consistent approach with all staff and with parents/carers.
- Provide alternative ways to show learning that don't require speaking.
- Avoid rewarding speech in a way that creates pressure.
- Share successes quietly and celebrate progress without fuss.
Do
- Reduce all pressure to speak.
- Accept and value non-verbal communication.
- Work in small, gradual steps.
Avoid
- Don't bribe, force or beg the pupil to talk.
- Don't show surprise or make a fuss when they do speak.
- Don't discuss the difficulty in front of the pupil or class.