Professional Makaton Training for Organisations

My Makaton Journey

From SEND Practice to Full-Time Makaton Training

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I became a Makaton Tutor eight years ago. Before becoming a full-time trainer three years ago, I was balancing two roles. Alongside delivering Makaton training outside school hours, I worked full-time as a Lead in a SEND Hub within a mainstream primary school.

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I loved both roles. Supporting children with additional communication needs in school while also training professionals gave me valuable insight into how Makaton can be used effectively within everyday environments.

As the need for Makaton training continued to grow, I took the leap into becoming a full-time freelance Makaton trainer.

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It was a big decision, but one that has allowed me to focus on what I am passionate about — helping organisations make communication more accessible.

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30+ Years of Professional Experience

Health & Social Care

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My professional background includes experience within health and social care, giving me an understanding of the communication challenges faced by people who may need additional support to express themselves, understand information or participate fully.

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Early Years

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My experience in Early Years has given me a strong understanding of early communication and language development, and the importance of supporting communication from the very beginning.

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Primary Education & SEND

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I have worked within mainstream primary education, including as a Lead in a SEND Hub, supporting children with additional needs and helping staff develop approaches that promote communication and inclusion.

This combination of experience allows me to understand Makaton not just as a set of signs and symbols, but as a practical communication tool that needs to work within real-life environments.

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Makaton Is Personal to Me

My Family's Experience

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Makaton isn't simply something I teach — it has been part of my own family life for many years.

As a parent, I used Makaton to support my daughter's language development.

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More recently, I have supported a non-speaking family member living with dementia who had previously been able to communicate effectively before life changes affected their communication.

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These experiences have given me first-hand insight into the difference that visual communication can make to individuals, families and the people supporting them.

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Professional Experience of Makaton

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Over the last 30 years, I have supported Makaton users professionally across a variety of roles and settings.

I have seen first-hand how a sign, symbol or visual support can help someone express a need, make a choice, understand what is happening or communicate with the people around them.

This is so much more than a job. Makaton and visual communication are my passion.

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My Experience as a Makaton Tutor

Licensed Makaton Tutor

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As a Licensed Makaton Tutor, I provide professional Makaton training for organisations and teams across the UK.

My training is designed to be practical, engaging and relevant to the people attending, with a focus on helping staff develop confidence that can be transferred into everyday practice.

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Training for Different Organisations

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No two training days are the same.

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One day I might be working within a large corporate setting, and the next I could be delivering training in an Early Years setting.

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I work with:

• Schools and academy trusts

• Early Years settings and nursery providers

• NHS and healthcare organisations

• Social care and supported living organisations

• Charities and children's services

• Universities and colleges

• Corporate and business teams

• Community organisations

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Whether I am working with a large health trust, a multi-site care provider, an academy trust, a small independent nursery, a care home or a supported living organisation, I shape the training around the needs of the organisation.

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My Training Approach

Practical

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I focus on skills and knowledge that can be used in real-life situations, helping staff understand how Makaton can become part of everyday communication.

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Engaging

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My sessions are interactive, practical and designed to encourage participation and confidence.

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Relevant

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Every organisation is different. I adapt my approach to your setting, your staff and the people you support.

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Inclusive

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My aim is to help organisations reduce communication barriers and create more accessible and supportive environments.

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Designed for Everyday Practice

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Training shouldn't stop when the session ends.

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I want staff to leave with the knowledge, confidence and practical tools to begin using Makaton and visual communication in their everyday work.

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Visual Communication Awareness Training

Supporting Organisations Beyond Makaton

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Alongside Makaton training, I also deliver Visual Communication Awareness sessions to organisations across the UK.

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As a qualified Adult Education Trainer, I provide awareness sessions designed to help teams understand the importance of visual communication and how it can support people who experience communication barriers.

These sessions can be tailored to the needs of your organisation and can complement Makaton training.

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Sharing Knowledge with Future Professionals

Universities & Colleges

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I am also a guest speaker and trainer at universities and colleges across the South West.

I enjoy sharing my knowledge and practical experience with future professionals working in:

• Education

• Health

• Social Care

• Early Years

• Sport

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Being able to inspire the next generation of professionals and help them understand the importance of accessible communication is something I find incredibly rewarding.

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Where I Deliver Training

In-Person Training Across the South West

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I deliver face-to-face Makaton training for organisations across the South West, bringing practical training directly to your workplace or setting.

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Online Training Across the UK

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For organisations outside the South West, I provide online Makaton training across the UK.

This allows teams to access professional Makaton training wherever they are based.

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Local & National Organisations

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I work with organisations of all sizes — from large charities and corporate teams to small community-based settings.

Whether you need training for a small team or a larger organisation with multiple staff groups, we can discuss an approach that works for you.

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My Aim

Helping Organisations Make Communication More Accessible

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My aim is to help organisations confidently embed Makaton and visual communication into everyday practice.

Every session is designed to make a real difference, giving staff the knowledge, practical tools and confidence they need to better support the people they work with.

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Ultimately, I want to help create more inclusive, accessible and supportive environments where everyone has the opportunity to communicate.

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Why I Do What I Do

Communication Can Change Lives

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After more than 30 years of professional and personal experience, I have seen the huge impact that effective visual communication can have.

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For me, Makaton is much more than a training course.

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It is about giving people a voice, supporting understanding, reducing frustration and helping people connect with those around them.

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That is why I am passionate about helping organisations make communication more accessible.

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Let's Talk About Your Organisation

Looking for Professional Makaton Training?

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If you are looking for Makaton training for your organisation, I would love to hear from you.

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Whether you're a school, Early Years provider, NHS or healthcare organisation, social care provider, charity, university, business or community organisation, we can discuss your requirements and find the right training approach for your team.

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In-person training across the South West.

Online training across the UK.