Communication
CUSP Access is the first of its kind; a curriculum designed to serve pupils with complex needs, including those attending specialist settings and hubs.
CUSP Access Communication is a structured approach that ensures every pupil can access, understand and respond to high-quality texts with confidence. Built on three core pillars — explicit vocabulary instruction, fluent reading and thinking hard — it creates a classroom environment where clear communication drives deeper learning.
At the heart of the approach is a carefully designed literature spine, aligned with the wider curriculum and enriched with diverse perspectives. Pupils engage with complete texts rather than extracts, allowing them to explore themes in depth and develop both their knowledge and their ability to think critically about what they read. Fluency and prosody are taught explicitly in every lesson, supported by strategies such as repeated reading and the use of giant story notes to strengthen engagement and recall.
Lessons follow a consistent structure — Connect, Vocabulary, Introduce, Engage, Respond and Compose — providing clarity and reducing cognitive load for pupils. This consistency helps learners focus on understanding and expressing ideas, while building confidence over time.
CUSP Access Communication is inclusive by design. Dual-coded knowledge notes support understanding through visual and verbal cues, and scaffolding toolkits enable teachers to make precise adaptations for pupils with SEND. This ensures that all learners can access ambitious content and participate fully in learning.
The impact is clear: pupils develop stronger vocabulary, improved reading fluency and greater confidence in communicating their ideas, while teachers benefit from a clear, consistent and practical approach to inclusive teaching. When communication is clear, pupils can think more deeply, engage more fully and achieve more.
The Impact For Pupils
- Stronger vocabulary and language development
- Increased reading confidence and fluency
- Deeper understanding of texts and themes
- Greater ability to articulate ideas and thinking
- Full access to ambitious curriculum content
The Impact For Teachers
- A clear, structured approach to teaching reading and communication
- Consistency across lessons and year groups
- Practical tools to support inclusion without lowering expectations
- Improved pupil engagement and outcomes
CUSP Access Communication creates a consistent, inclusive approach across the school — ensuring that every pupil has the opportunity to engage with challenging texts, think deeply, and communicate with confidence.
