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 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

5 days ago3 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

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 27, 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

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