Makaton for Specific Groups

Learn how Makaton can be used within different sectors and settings for effective communication in all areas.
#Makaton #Makatontraining #inclusivecommunication #Accessibility #Healthandsocialcare #Earlyyears #Education

A group of medical staff practising Makaton signs during training, they are wearing various hospital uniforms depending on their role.

Makaton for Emotional Support: Supporting Anxiety in Children and Adults

Anxiety affects people of all ages. For both children and adults, communicating worries, fears, or overwhelming feelings can be challenging — especially for those with speech, language, or communication needs (SLCN).

Ali Pennington

Jan 193 min read

A small group of people sitting in a classroom, working in pairs sitting opposite each other, practising Makaton signs they are learning in training

Using Makaton in School

As a professional working in schools for many years, I completely understand the lack of time (and funding) for training and for making and creating resources, so I've shared some ideas below so that introducing Makaton doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Schools can start small:

Ali Pennington

Jan 193 min read

Two people in a church meeting room setting, practising Makaton sign for 'food' They are sitting facing each other whilst speaking and signing the word 'food'

"Voices without barriers - Makaton for all ages"

While many associate Makaton with young children or individuals with additional needs, it’s actually a powerful tool that can support people of all ages — from toddlers learning to talk, to older adults living with life changes that affect communication.

Ali Pennington

Oct 29, 20254 min read

A young child sits on a chair looking worried in a lounge, an adult is crouching by the side of them offering reassurance

The Power of Makaton in Foster Care: Giving Every Child a Voice

In foster care, communication is at the heart of everything we do. Whether we’re supporting a child through a difficult transition or helping them build trust in a new environment, being able to understand and be understood can make all the difference. That’s where Makaton comes in.

Ali Pennington

Oct 28, 20254 min read

A small group of staff from a primary school, standing in front of a brightly coloured wall featuring a rainbow and a giraffe, they are holding their ceritficates and showing them to the camera

Why Makaton Training Matters in Every Sector

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech to support understanding and expression. It’s not just for specialist settings — it’s a tool that can transform communication across every sector.

Ali Pennington

Oct 26, 20254 min read

A group of staff from Chidlrens hospice, sitting on chairs in a lounge environment, they are practising the signs they have learnt during training

Using Makaton and Objects of Reference in Children’s Hospice Settings: Supporting Connection and Comfort

Makaton is a communication programme that uses speech, ,signs and symbols to support understanding and expression. It can be adapted to suit each individual child’s abilities and needs. Objects of reference are real items or parts of items used to represent a person, place, activity or concept. For example, a towel might be used to represent “bath time” or a musical toy to signal “music session.” It is important that the objects used are individual to the person you are supp

Ali Pennington

Oct 20, 20254 min read

A group of sports coaches sit at a table, they are practising Makaton signs they have learning during training

The Power of Visual Communication in Sport: Making Every Game Inclusive

Sport has an incredible ability to bring people together — it builds confidence, encourages teamwork, promotes wellbeing, and creates a sense of belonging. But for individuals who experience communication difficulties, taking part in sporting activities can be challenging. That’s where visual communication tools, including the Makaton communication programme, can make a real difference.

Ali Pennington

Oct 18, 20254 min read

A child points to the now and next board on a dining room table, an adult watches him, smiling.

Supporting Communication with “Now and Next” Boards

When someone finds it difficult to understand or process language, everyday routines and transitions can feel overwhelming or confusing. A simple but powerful tool to help with this is a “Now and Next” board. What is a “Now and Next” Board? A “Now and Next” board is a clear, visual way of showing what is happening now and what will happen next. It usually has two spaces side by side — one for the current activity and one for the upcoming activity.

Ali Pennington

Oct 15, 20253 min read

An image of a still taken from Ali Makaton Tutors Youtube page, Ali is showing part of the sign for 'day'

"When Words Are Hard: How Communication Difficulties Can Impact Mental Health"

For many of us, being able to express our thoughts, feelings, and needs is something we take for granted. But for people who experience communication difficulties, daily life can feel very different. Finding the words, signs, or symbols to connect with others can be a daily challenge — and this can have a deep and lasting impact on mental health.

Ali Pennington

Oct 10, 20253 min read

Using Makaton to Support People with Memory and Understanding Difficulties After Life Changes

When someone begins to experience memory loss or new difficulties with understanding language — perhaps following a stroke, brain injury, dementia diagnosis, or another life event — it can be incredibly frustrating. Communication, something once effortless, can suddenly become a daily challenge. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loss of independence, and a reduced ability to express needs or join conversations. Makaton can offer real support. Personally, my late mother

Ali Pennington

Oct 5, 20254 min read

Two adults sitting at a table playing Makaton Halloween Dominoes game

A Spooktacular Free Resource: Makaton's Halloween Download

What’s in the Halloween Download? The free Halloween pack from Makaton typically includes: Symbols and signs for Halloween-related vocabulary — Ghost, Pumpkin, Witch, Vampire, Wizard, Magic, etc. Line drawings or simple illustrations to pair with each symbol and sign (great for use in visual supports)

Ali Pennington

Oct 3, 20254 min read

A child pointing to a symbol of an apple on a sentence strip to make a request for an apple, the sentene strip also features a symbol representation of 'I want'

PECS: Why It's Not a Symbol System

At its heart, PECS is not about what pictures you use, but how you use them. The approach is built on structured teaching, using six phases that move from simple picture exchanges (e.g., handing over a picture to request a biscuit) to building longer sentences, answering questions, and eventually commenting.

Ali Pennington

Sep 20, 20254 min read

3 people practising Makaton signs in a training room environment

"Why We Should Be Using Makaton with Adults with Communication difficulties"

Communication is more than words. It’s connection, independence, and autonomy. For adults who struggle with speech, memory, or understanding, Makaton can make daily life less frustrating and far more empowering. Here’s why it matters. 1. Promotes Independence and Autonomy Adults with communication difficulties often rely heavily on others to interpret their needs and wishes. Makaton offers a visual and accessible way to express choices—whether that’s what to eat, how they

Ali Pennington

Sep 19, 20253 min read

A school aged girl dressed in a school uniform is sitting at a desk in a classroom, she is looking and smiling at the teacher, both of them are using Signing

Developmental Language Disorder: How Makaton Supports DLD

How Makaton Supports Those with Developmental Language Disorder For parents and caregivers, watching a child struggle to communicate can be incredibly difficult. When a child has a Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), expressing themselves and understanding others can be a constant challenge. But there are powerful tools available to help, and one of the most effective is the Makaton Communication programme.

Ali Pennington

Sep 17, 20253 min read

A group of 5 Early Years team members sitting on chairs and practising their Makaton signs with a dice game.

"Why Using Makaton in the Early Years is so beneficial"

Using Makaton in Early Years settings promotes speech, language, and understanding for all children, while also reducing frustration, building confidence, and creating an inclusive learning environment.

Ali Pennington

Sep 2, 20253 min read

A group of people from the local community sitting on chairs in a decorative room, facing towards the speaker, standing in front of them, sharing some Makaton signs.

The Power of Local Community in Supporting People with Communication Difficulties

When communities come together to support communication, they make inclusion possible. A shop assistant who knows a few Makaton signs, a teacher who uses visual supports, or a neighbour who takes the time to listen patiently—these small actions create huge impact. They show that everyone’s voice matters, no matter how it’s expressed.

Ali Pennington

Sep 1, 20253 min read

A person signing the Makaton sign for 'thank you' in a checked brown and white shirt, they are wearing a grey t-shirt under their shirt, they are smiling whilst signing.

Celebrating Makaton: Building a More Inclusive Business Through Communication

Makaton empowers us to do just that. It gives us practical tools to ensure that everyone—regardless of how they communicate—feels seen, heard, and understood. Learning just a few simple signs, or incorporating visual supports into your business environment, can completely transform someone’s experience. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being willing—to listen, to adapt, and to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels they belong.

Ali Pennington

Aug 4, 20253 min read

Avon Fire & Rescue Service Team standing in a group together, signing the words 'Fire' and 'Good' Some are wearing their uniforms, others their casual clothes, they are all smiling and standing in front of a fire engine.

Why Makaton Training is Essential for Emergency Services Teams

In times of crisis, communication can mean the difference between calm and chaos, clarity and confusion — even life and death. For emergency services teams — including police, ambulance, fire, and search & rescue — the ability to connect quickly and effectively with every member of the public is vital. But what happens when someone can’t communicate verbally, or has difficulty processing spoken language?

Ali Pennington

Jul 28, 20254 min read

"Why Makaton Is Essential in Health And Social Care."

Many care providers use Makaton within Health and social care settings It helps people with communication and / or understanding difficulties. Reasons why Makaton is essential to a health and social care setting: - Enhanced communication - Decision making - Informed consent - Inclusivity - Person-centred care - Access to information and services Enhanced communication Using signs and/or symbols allows practical expression, expressing preferences and making requests

Ali Pennington

Feb 21, 20254 min read

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and...

**Disclaimer.** The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk.

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com