With 30 years of professional and personal experience. A background in health and social care, early years, and primary education, gives me a well-rounded understanding of communication needs in a wide range of settings.
As a parent I used Makaton to support my daughter's language development and more recently supporting a non-speaking family member living with Dementia who had previously been able to communicate effectively before life changes. Professionally I have supported Makaton users in various different roles and settings over the last 30 years.
Meet Alison
I became a Makaton tutor 8 years ago, prior to becoming fulltime 3 years ago I was juggling a fulltime role as a Lead in a SEND hub in a Mainstream Primary School and delivering Makaton training outside school times, which was wonderful but then as the need for Makaton training grew I took the leap into doing this fulltime, as a freelance Makaton trainer. I also deliver visual communication awareness sessions to organisations across the UK as a qualified Adult Education Trainer.
My role as a trainer is very varied, I could be in a large corporate setting one day and in an Early Years setting the next, no two days are the same!
I offer practical, engaging training that can be shaped to fit your setting — whether you’re part of a large health trust, a multi-site care or early years provider, an academy trust, a school, a small independent nursery, a care home or supported living organisation.
My aim is to help you confidently embed Makaton into everyday practice, creating more inclusive and supportive environments for everyone.
As a guest speaker/trainer at universities and colleges across the South West, I love sharing my knowledge and inspiring future professionals in education, health, social care, and sport.
Delivering Makaton training both locally and nationally — from large charities and corporate teams to small, community-based settings.
Every session is designed to make a real difference, giving you the tools and confidence to help the people you support.
This is so much more than a job, Makaton and visual communication is my passion. I have seen first hand the huge impact visual support can have.