What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language programme that uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. It’s designed to support spoken language: the signs are used alongside speech, in the same order as spoken words. Makaton signs are based on the signs used in British Sign Language (BSL).
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Where is it used?
It is used extensively across the UK and has been adapted in over 50 countries.
Makaton's popularity has grown enormously since it was first developed in the 1970s.
Where can I see an example?
The BBC's Something Special has demonstrated that signing is great fun and a brilliant skill to learn. Over the last few years, Makaton has been increasingly recognised and celebrated. It's becoming more commonly used in mainstream schools, in particular early years, and it's benefits to support and develop early communication skills in all children are regularly reported by settings using the programme. More recently, Rosie Ayling-Ellis has introduced BSL as a communication skill for the elderly (BBC One - Rose Ayling-Ellis: Old Hands, New Tricks). Makaton should also be considered for this.
Why Choose Makaton?
Makaton training has become increasingly available and versatile over recent years. Access training in person or online, it's up to you! Taking Makaton online also enables many who previously struggled to access training, advice, support and opportunities to practice. Please note, all training courses have the option of being online or in-person. If you are looking for training, either online or face to face and you can't see what you're looking for here, then please contact me to discuss your needs.
The best way to learn Makaton is to attend a workshop, either online or face to face. Makaton training can only be offered by licensed regional tutors, in this role of 25 years experience, training can be provided for parents, carers, health/education professionals and anyone who has an interest in learning signs to support communication. Training is also available for businesses and community groups who want to welcome and support those who use Makaton.
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Coming Soon!
Frontline training will be available as from June 1st, 2025, for services such as Doctors, Nurses, Health Care and the Emergency Services. Please contact me for further details.
Learn Today
Learn up to 450 words, signs and symbols of the Makaton Core Vocabulary and how to use them to support people with a wide range of communication needs. This is accredited, certificated training offered only by licensed tutors.
Build up your knowledge gradually by starting with Level 1, working up to level 4*.​
Face to face training workshops have a maximum of 18 participants. If I am travelling to you, there will be an additional charge for travel. Online training is delivered via Zoom or Teams to a maximum of 20 participants. Your manuals and certificates will be posted out. All the workshops, whether online or face to face, are interactive and lots of fun! You will be signing in sentences in no time at all.
Each level takes about 6 1/2 hours to complete and is made up of two modules, delivered either over one or two days or 3 sessions of 2 1/2 hours.
£95 per level. Discounts can be offered when 2 levels are booked in advance.
Other discounts can be discussed for additional bookings.
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The price includes manuals and certificates.
Makaton Taster Session Online or In-Person
Makaton Taster Sessions- 1:1 and small groups
This session is designed to give you a general understanding of the Makaton vocabulary, what it is and how to use it. You will learn around 30-40 useful signs and symbols and get lots of tips on how to introduce them at home or at work.
This can be done online via Zoom or Teams, or in-person. After the training, you will receive course information, copies of all the signs and symbols used, and a Certificate of Attendance. For group bookings, signs will be selected to best suit your needs.
Duration 1.5 hours. Most bookings can be made to your convenience.
This is an informal, fun session, with lots of tips and ideas to take away.
£10 depending on any additional expenses
Group Taster Bookings
(includes resources and certificates)
Maximum group size is 20
This session is designed to give you an understanding of the Makaton vocabulary, what it is and how to use it. You will learn around 30-40 useful signs and symbols and get lots of tips on how to introduce them at home or at work.
This can be done online via Zoom, Teams, or in-person. After the training, you will receive course information, copies of all the signs and symbols used, and a Certificate of Attendance. For group bookings, signs will be selected to best suit your needs.
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This is an informal, fun session, with lots of tips and relevant vocabulary ideas to take away.
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£10 per person | Duration | 1.5 hours