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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

Somerset Sports and Activity Partnership team members, sitting around a table in a meeting room, looking at each other and practising the Makaton sports signs they are learning

If You Support a Makaton User, You Need Makaton Training — Here’s Why

You’re Building a Two-Way Street Makaton isn’t just about helping someone express their needs — it’s about shared communication. If they’re using signs or symbols and you don’t understand them, that street becomes one-way, and frustrating fast.

Ali Pennington

Aug 1, 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

Specialist Makaton Training Services in North Somerset, Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol & Online

In today’s diverse and inclusive society, effective communication is key in ensuring that everyone is heard and understood. For individuals with communication difficulties, Specialist Makaton Training Services play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and fostering meaningful connections. Based in North Somerset, Ali Makaton Tutor is a specialised business that offers comprehensive Makaton training and support services to a wide range of organisations and individuals. Wit

Learn Makaton

Apr 4, 20252 min read

"Creating An Inclusive Environment With Makaton."

Inclusion is about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to communicate, participate, and feel valued. For individuals with learning or communication difficulties, expressing their thoughts and needs can be challenging. This is where Makaton plays a vital role. By combining speech with signs and symbols, Makaton provides a multi-modal approach to communication, making it easier for individuals to understand and be understood. What is Makaton? Makaton is a communication progra

Ali Pennington

Apr 1, 20254 min read

"Why You Should Add Makaton Skills To Your CV."

In today’s job market, having unique and practical skills can set you apart from the competition. One such skill that is increasingly valued across most industries is Makaton. Whether you work in education, healthcare, social care, or customer service, knowing Makaton can enhance your communication abilities and demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity. Here’s why adding Makaton skills to your CV is a smart move. 1. Enhances Communication Skills Makaton is a communication p

Ali Pennington

Mar 28, 20254 min read

"Unlocking Communication: The Benefits Of Attending An Official Makaton Training Course."

Communication is at the heart of human connection. For individuals with learning or communication difficulties, expressing thoughts and emotions can be challenging. This is where Makaton—a communication programme that combines signs, symbols, and speech—becomes a powerful tool for enhancing communication. While Makaton is widely used in schools, healthcare settings, and social care, attending a Makaton course can offer even greater benefits. Here’s why enrolling in a Makaton

Ali Pennington

Mar 10, 20254 min read

"You've Trained In Makaton, CONGRATULATIONS!! So, What Next?"

How to Continue To Practise Your New Makaton Skills After Training So, you've completed your Makaton training—congratulations! Learning Makaton is a fantastic way to support communication and inclusion, but like any new skill, regular practice is key to retaining and improving your ability. Here are some practical ways to keep your Makaton skills fresh and integrate them into your daily life. 1. Use Makaton Daily Make Makaton a part of your everyday communication. Whether you

Ali Pennington

Mar 7, 20254 min read

Young boy at home playing with colourful building blocks, an adults hands are in the photograph too, offering support in building a tower with the blocks.

"Using Makaton at Home: Supporting Children and Adults with Communication."

A quick guide to supporting a person with communication difficulties using Makaton in the home environment.

Ali Pennington

Mar 4, 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

A small group of Pre-school staff members practising Makaton signs in their pre-school setting. One person is wearing a pink jumper and black trousers, the person facing her is wearing a grey and pink top and blue jeans, this person is signing the word 'house'

"The History and Development of Makaton."

In this section you will be able to view the history of Makaton, the difference between BSL and Makaton and a beginners guide.

Ali Pennington

Feb 18, 20254 min read

"Who Can Benefit From Makaton Training?"

Who can benefit from Makaton training? The first most important thing to note in answer to this question is that Makaton users will benefit the most from anyone who is involved in any part of their lives, in any way, learning this valuable communication tool. Shared knowledge of a person’s communication tool, such as Makaton, is essential to avoid a communication breakdown, to ease frustration and prevent withdrawal. Every child, young person and adults should be able to enga

Ali Pennington

Feb 14, 20253 min read

"Top Tips For Learning Makaton!"

Familiarise yourself with core vocabulary. Familiarising yourself with the core vocabulary will help you progress further with learning and also help you feel more confident to use it. The core vocabulary is based on high frequency words we use within the English Language. Match words to symbols and signs, you could even practise drawing the symbols, they are designed to be easy to draw! Don’t learn too much at once. Signs such as 'Hello' 'Food' 'Drink' 'Toilet' are helpful t

Ali Pennington

Feb 11, 20253 min read

"What is Makaton? A Beginners Guide to Supporting Communication"

Makaton is a communication tool that is inclusive to all children and adults. But it is something that not everyone will be familiar with. Hopefully within this blog I will be able to answer some commonly asked questions about what Makaton is, why it is something that many people use. A commonly asked question is 'Is Makaton sign language' the short answer is no. I have created a different blog to explain the differences between BSL (British Sign Language) and Makaton. Using

Ali Pennington

Feb 7, 20256 min read

Makaton - "The Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)"

The Core Vocabulary is the starting point for everyone learning Makaton.

Ali Pennington

Feb 5, 20257 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