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 preschool children sitting on the floor in a day care setting, Makaton signing, joining in with the signed story and songs

How to Use Makaton with Songs and Stories: Benefits, Tips and Ideas

Discover how using Makaton with songs and stories can boost communication, language development and confidence for children and adults alike. In this guide, you'll learn the benefits of combining Makaton signs with music and storytelling, practical tips for getting started, and how these engaging activities create more inclusive learning environments at home, in schools and in care settings.

Ali Pennington

1 day ago5 min read

A large TV screen mounted on a wall displaying the front page of a Powerpoint for Level 1 Makaton.

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Returning to Familiar Faces, Supporting Foster Carers and Finding Connection

Read about Level 2 Makaton training at SWALLOW, online Makaton training for foster carers with Wiltshire Council, and the importance of inclusive communication, wellbeing, and lifelong learning.

Ali Pennington

4 days ago4 min read

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Celebrating Milestones, Supporting Inclusion and Finding Balance

This week in my Diary of a Makaton Tutor, I delivered online Makaton training for a national supported living provider and celebrated every member of staff at a primary school in Burnham-on-Sea completing Level 1 Makaton training. Discover how a whole-school approach to inclusive communication is making a difference, why staff enthusiasm is key to embedding Makaton, and why taking time to recharge—even when you love your work—is just as important as supporting others.

Ali Pennington

Jul 254 min read

Two members of the North Somerset community looking at a table in a community space, the table has information leaflets and flags celebrating Makaton international awareness day 2025

“The Power of Local Community in Supporting People with Communication Difficulties – A Makaton International Awareness Day event in Weston super Mare, North Somerset.”

Communication is at the heart of connection. It’s how we share our thoughts, feelings, and needs. But for many people living with communication difficulties, everyday interactions that others take for granted—ordering a coffee, joining a group activity, or asking for help—can feel overwhelming. This is where the power of the local community comes in. When communities come together to support communication, they make inclusion possible. A shop assistant who knows a few Makat

Ali Pennington

Jul 164 min read

Two attendees sit next to each other in a meeting room, they are signing the Makaton sign for biscuit whilst practising their new skills

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: New Connections, Shared Learning and Growing Confidence

This week in my Diary of a Makaton Tutor, I delivered Level 1 training at SWALLOW, facilitated two online sessions for supported living teams, and hosted a rare public Level 1 course in Weston-super-Mare. From building confidence in inclusive communication to watching strangers become friends through shared learning, it was a wonderful reminder of the power of Makaton to connect people and create more accessible communities.

Ali Pennington

Jul 124 min read

A group of staff from SWALLOW, sitting around a large table practising the Makaton signs they have learnt so far in Level 3 training.

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Building Confidence Through Communication Makaton Level 3

Join me as I reflect on delivering Level 3 Makaton training for the fantastic team at SWALLOW in Midsomer Norton. Discover how participants developed their translation, interpretation, and sign analysis skills, built confidence using Stages 5 and 6 of the Core Vocabulary, and explored how Makaton creates more meaningful, inclusive communication for the people they support. Even a summer heatwave couldn't dampen the enthusiasm for learning!

Ali Pennington

Jul 54 min read

An image of Burley Inclusive Campus building

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Online Training and an Inspiring Visit to Burley Inclusive Campus

One of the things I enjoy most about being a Makaton Tutor is the variety each week brings. This week was a wonderful reminder of how communication and inclusion sit at the heart of so many different organisations and communities

Ali Pennington

Jun 283 min read

A group of 4 sports coaches sitting around a table practising the Makaton signs learned during Makaton training

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Inclusive Communication in Sport

Discover how sports students at UCWISE explored Makaton and visual communication strategies to create more inclusive sports environments. Learn how using signs, visuals, and inclusive communication can support children and adults with speech, language, and communication needs in sport and physical activity settings.

Ali Pennington

Jun 143 min read

A group of support workers from Enable and Support, Yeovil, in a meeting room, practising their Makaton signing in small groups

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Supporting Inclusive Communication Across Health and Social Care in Yeovil and Clevedon

Discover how Level 1 Makaton training delivered in Yeovil and Clevedon is helping health and social care professionals create more inclusive communication environments. Learn how Makaton signs, symbols, and visual communication strategies can support individuals with speech, language, and communication needs in everyday practice.

Ali Pennington

Jun 73 min read

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Continuing My Own Makaton CPD, Tutor Revision and Supporting Inclusive Communication

Discover how ongoing Makaton CPD, tutor revision sessions and online training with Achieve Together help support inclusive communication. Learn about updating signs and symbols, embedding Makaton into everyday practice and why continuous professional development matters for Makaton Tutors and practitioners.

Ali Pennington

May 243 min read

A group of staff at a primary school standing round a table display exploring all of the visual communication resources on the table

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Embedding Makaton in Schools and Beyond: Level 1 Training, Practical Strategies, and Online Learning

Discover how primary school staff completed Level 1 Makaton training, explored practical games and activities, and learned what embedding Makaton looks like in everyday practice. This blog also shares insights from delivering online Makaton training for Achieve Together and the importance of creating inclusive communication environments across schools and care settings.

Ali Pennington

May 173 min read

A group of staff in a classroom practising Makaton

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Delivering Makaton in Primary Schools - From First Steps to Embedding a Total Communication Approach

Working with schools that are so committed to embedding Makaton is always inspiring. Whether it’s taking those very first steps in a taster session or building confidence through formal training, every stage of the journey matters

Ali Pennington

May 102 min read

An image of the front entrance at University Centre Weston, the image includes 3 pop-up information banners

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: A Warm Welcome and Looking Ahead to a Busy Week

I truly love my job. Supporting others to build confidence in communication, creating more inclusive environments, and seeing the impact of Makaton in action—it’s what makes every busy week worthwhile.

Ali Pennington

May 32 min read

A photo of individuals attending an online workshop for a supported living provider they are smiling at the camera and signing their favourite Makaton sign

Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Slowing Down and Strengthening Communication

This family are at the beginning of a new journey. Previously, their family member had been able to verbalise their wants and needs, but due to a significant life change, their communication has shifted. As a result, the family are now exploring new and unfamiliar ways to support understanding and expression.

Ali Pennington

Apr 273 min read

The team from Jessie May Trust sharing their favourite signs from training

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: Supporting Families and Advancing Skills Through Makaton

This week, I had the privilege of delivering in-person Makaton training to the team at the Jessie May Trust. They provide incredible support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, and it was an honour to work alongside such a dedicated and compassionate group of professionals.

Ali Pennington

Apr 183 min read

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: Makaton in Education, Wellbeing and Community Settings

What stood out most this week was the variety of settings where Makaton made an impact. From lecture rooms to nature walks and community spaces, the common thread was connection. Makaton created opportunities for people to engage, communicate, and feel included—regardless of their background or experience. Working with such a wide range of groups reminded me that Makaton is truly for everyone.

Ali Pennington

Apr 113 min read

Public Makaton Level 1 attendees exploring visual tools and communication support resources

Diary Of A Makaton Tutor: A Week of Online Training and a Rare Public Workshop

One of the highlights of my week was delivering a public Level 1 Makaton workshop. These are actually quite rare for me, as most of my work is with private clients and organisations. However, I always really enjoy delivering public training sessions. There’s something unique about having such a mix of people in one space, parents, professionals, carers, and individuals all bringing different levels of experience and knowledge.

Ali Pennington

Apr 43 min read

A mother holds her baby, gently supporting the babies head and smiling

The Benefits of Using Makaton with Babies: A Complete Guide for Parents

Using Makaton with babies supports early communication by allowing them to express needs through simple signs before speech develops. This reduces frustration, strengthens bonding, and can even boost language development, making it a powerful tool for parents looking to enhance their child’s early learning journey.

Ali Pennington

Apr 43 min read

The team from Herons Moor Academy standing in a group, smiling at the camera and holding their Makaton certificates after completing training.

Welcome to My Diary of a Makaton Tutor

Discover how Makaton training supports communication across healthcare, supported living, and early years settings. In this Makaton tutor diary, I share real-life experiences delivering a hospital-based Makaton workshop for nursing staff, online training sessions, and practical insights to help beginners learn Makaton and use it confidently in everyday situations.

Ali Pennington

Mar 273 min read

A teacher and a small group of children completing an activity sitting around a table in a classroom.

Creating a Makaton-Friendly Learning Environment

Creating a Makaton-friendly environment is about more than signs — it’s about fostering confidence, independence, and inclusion. Every small step, from visual supports to consistent staff use, builds a space where everyone can be understood.

Ali Pennington

Feb 42 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