Makaton Training for businesses, organisations and professional teams
Practical, tailored training to help your team communicate more confidently.
Whether you're an NHS service, School, Charity, University, Business or Community organisation, Makaton training is tailored to your team and the people you support.
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Support your organisation's EDI objectives
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Choose a day and time to suit you and your team
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In-person or Online options are available
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Highly experienced & established trainer across all sectors
Who do I work with?
Delivering training across a wide range of sectors, including:
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Schools & Early Years
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NHS & Healthcare
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Social Care & Supported Living
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Universities & Colleges
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Charities & Children's Services
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Emergency Services
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Businesses & Corporate Organisations
In-person training in North Somerset, Somerset, Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Taunton, Yeovil and beyond.
Online training nationwide.
Benefits of Makaton training for your organisation
Private training allows your team to learn together, using examples and situation that are relevant to your own setting.
Training can help your staff:
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Develop confidence using Makaton
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Support people with communication difficulties
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Make everyday communication more accessible
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Reduce communication barriers
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Embed Makaton into everyday routines
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Develop inclusive communication practices
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Support your organisation's EDI objectives
Makaton Training options
Makaton Levels 1 - 4
Formal Makaton training for organisations wanting to develop their team's skills progressively.
Specialist Makaton workshops
Practical workshops designed around specific settings and roles, including:
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Healthcare
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Early Years
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Nursing
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Urgent & Emergency care
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Learning Disability Teams
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General Wellbeing
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Education
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Social Care
Scroll down to view available courses and further information about course content.
Makaton training - Case Studies
Makaton Training at Weston General Hospital
I was delighted to deliver Makaton training to teams at Weston General Hospital, supporting staff to develop their confidence in using Makaton as part of their communication with patients.
The training focused on practical, easy-to-use signs and symbols that staff could incorporate into their everyday interactions, helping to create a more accessible and inclusive environment for people who may have communication difficulties.
It was fantastic to see staff engaging with the training, building their confidence and recognising how small changes in communication can make a meaningful difference to a patient’s experience.
The result: Staff left with practical Makaton skills and ideas they could begin using straight away within their teams and patient interactions. Feedback particularly highlighted that staff felt they could help support patients to make informed choice about their care.
Makaton Training at Lloyds Banking Group, Bristol
As part of Learning at Work Week, I was delighted to deliver 9 engaging Makaton training sessions across three days for colleagues at Lloyds Banking Group in Bristol.
The session introduced participants to Makaton and explored how using signs and symbols can support clearer, more inclusive communication.
Colleagues had the opportunity to learn practical signs they could use in everyday situations, while also gaining a greater understanding of the communication needs of people who may benefit from additional support.
It was a fantastic opportunity to introduce Makaton to a new audience and demonstrate how simple changes in communication can help create more inclusive and accessible workplaces and communities.
The result: Colleagues left with new Makaton skills, increased confidence and practical ways to use Makaton in their everyday lives. Feedback highlighted how valuable the training was in general and that some of the attendees could now use Makaton at home with their young children, one team member even expressed how excited and thankful they were to know that Makaton can also be used with people living with Dementia and was eager to implement the use of Makaton with her mother who has Dementia.
Makaton Training at SWALLOW
I was delighted to deliver a programme of Makaton training at SWALLOW, covering Levels 1, 2 and 3.
The training supported staff to build their knowledge, confidence and practical skills in using Makaton to communicate with and support SWALLOW members.
Across the three levels, staff developed a deeper understanding of Makaton and how it can be incorporated into everyday communication.
It was fantastic to see staff grow in confidence throughout the training and develop practical skills they can use every day.
The result: SWALLOW staff are now well equipped and confident to use Makaton to support their members, helping to create more effective, accessible and inclusive communication.
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Bespoke taster workshop
Content
This bespoke course gives you an introduction to Makaton and over 40 signs & symbols. It can be tailored to your setting for example Early Years, Hospital, Primary schools, Health & Social care providers, Banks, Sports Coaches, College & University.
Criteria
No previous Makaton experience is required
Duration
You can choose a 90 minute or 2 hour session to fit in with your staff availability. Perfect for learning lunches, staff meetings &
INSET days
Study materials
Each participant receives a booklet of handouts containing the signs and symbols introduced in the session and a digital Certificate of Attendance on completion.
Cost
From £12pp
Maximum 20 participants in-person training
Maximum 15 participants online training
'Makaton for Early Years Settings' workshop
Do you work with babies, toddlers or pre-school children?
Do you want to give every child the best possible start in communication?
Are you looking for practical tools you can use straight away to support children’s understanding and expression?
This 3.5-hour interactive workshop is designed for early years professionals who want to create calm, engaging and inclusive environments where all children can thrive. Makaton helps children connect, express themselves, and feel understood, even before they can speak.
Why this workshop matters
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Support early communication and language development
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Reduce frustration and help children express their needs
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Strengthen bonds between children, parents and practitioners
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Create an inclusive setting that supports every child’s communication
What will you learn?
This workshop gives you the confidence and tools to:
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Use Makaton signs and symbols alongside speech during daily routines and activities
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Support children's understanding and ability to make choices
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Embed signing into songs, stories, and play
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Involve parents, carers and other professionals in consistent communication support
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Create inclusive environments where all children can participate and belong
Workshop content
The session covers:
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How Makaton supports early communication and language development
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The communication journey and the importance of visual support
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Key signs and symbols for daily routines and play
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Practical strategies for embedding signing into everyday interactions
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Signing through stories, songs and group activities
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Real-life examples and practical exercises with support from your Tutor/Trainer
You'll also explore phrases commonly used in early years settings, such as:
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“Do you want a drink of milk or water?”
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“Are you feeling worried?”
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“Where are the bricks?”
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“Have you finished drawing?”
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“Which toy would you like?”
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“Great sitting and listening. Well done!”
Who is this for?
This workshop is ideal for anyone working with young children, including:
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Nursery and pre-school staff
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Early years teachers and SENCOs
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Childminders and family support workers
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Speech and language professionals
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Children’s centre staff and outreach teams
No previous experience with Makaton is needed.
How it works
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3.5-hour interactive session
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Delivered by a licensed Makaton Tutor/Trainer
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Includes official Makaton resources and certificate of attendance
Study Materials
You will receive a Participant’s Manual which includes the Makaton symbols and signs that you learn in the workshop. For all workshops you will be given a certificate of attendance.
Cost
From £55pp
Whether you’re looking to introduce Makaton for the first time or refresh your skills, this practical workshop will give your team the tools to bring communication to life in everyday routines, games, and stories.
Level 1 Makaton Training
Level 1 training is the starting point for learning Makaton. It is recommended for anyone with an interest in Makaton,.
Content
Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Communication Programme.
Sessions include discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work. You will also learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2, and some of the Additional stage, of the Core Vocabulary.
Duration
The Level 1 workshop training is made up of two modules which can be delivered in a number of different ways.
In-person workshop is typically covered in one full day of around 6 hours.
Online training for Level 1 takes a minimum of seven hours and can be delivered in two to four sessions on one or more days, for example:
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1 full day (one session in the morning, one in the afternoon. 7.5 hours is recommended to allow plenty of time for lunch, and other breaks from the screen)
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2 x 3.5-4-hour sessions (different days)
Entry criteria
No previous Makaton experience is required.
Study materials
You will receive a Participant's Manual which includes the Makaton symbols and line drawings of the signs that you learn in the workshop. You will also be given a certificate of attendance. Please remember to keep your Level 1 training certificate in case you want to attend further Makaton training.
Cost
From £60pp
Maximum 15 participants in-person
Maximum 11 participants online
Level 2 Makaton Training
Level 2 training builds on the knowledge you gained in Level 1 training.
Content
You will learn the signs and symbols from Stages 3 and 4, and the rest of the Additional stage, of the Core Vocabulary.
Duration
Level 2 training is made up of two modules which can be delivered in a number of different ways.
In-person workshop is typically covered in one full day of around 6 hours.
Online training for Level 2 takes a minimum of seven hours and can be delivered in two sessions.
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1 full day (one session in the morning, one in the afternoon. (7.5 hours is recommended to allow plenty of time for lunch, and other breaks from the screen)
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2 x 3.5-4-hour sessions (different days)
Entry criteria
Participants must have attended Level 1 training.
Study materials
You will receive a Participant's Manual, which includes the Makaton symbols and signs that you learn in the workshop. You will also be given a certificate of attendance. Please remember to keep your Level 2 training certificate in case you want to attend further Makaton training.
Cost
From £55pp
Maximum 15 participants in-person
Maximum 11 participants online
Level 3 Makaton Training
Level 3 training helps you to improve and develop your signing and symbol skills and how to use them effectively every day.
You will revise the signs and symbols you learned in your Level 1 and 2 training, and learn the signs and symbols for Stages 5 and 6 of the Core Vocabulary.
Duration
The Level 3 workshop consists of two modules which can be delivered in a number of different ways.
In-person workshop is typically covered in one full day of around 6 hours.
Online training for Level 3 takes a minimum of seven hours and can be delivered in 2 sessions on one or more days, for example:
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1 full day (one session in the morning, one in the afternoon. (7.5 hours is recommended to allow plenty of time for lunch, and other breaks from the screen)
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2 x 3.5-4-hour sessions (different days)
Entry criteria
Participants must have completed Level 2 training.
Study materials
For the Level 3 workshop you will receive a Participant’s Manual which includes the Makaton symbols and signs that you learn in the workshop.
For all the workshops you will be given a certificate of attendance. Please remember to keep your certificate in case you want to attend further Makaton training.
Cost
From £55pp
Maximum 15 participants in-person
Maximum 11 participants online
Level 4 Makaton Training
Level 4 completes the Core Vocabulary and develops your understanding and skills in using Makaton to support people with a wide range of communication difficulties.
You will revise the signs and symbols you learned in your Level 1, 2 and 3 workshops and learn the signs and symbols for Stages 7 and 8 of the Core Vocabulary.
Duration
The Level 4 workshop consists of two modules which can be delivered in a number of different ways.
In-person workshop is typically covered in one full day of around 7 hours.
Online training for Level 4 takes a minimum of seven hours and can be delivered in 2 - 4 sessions on one or more days, for example:
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1 full day (one session in the morning, one in the afternoon. (7.5 hours is recommended to allow plenty of time for lunch, and other breaks from the screen)
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2 x 3.5-4-hour sessions (different days)
Entry criteria
Participants must have completed Level 3 training.
Study materials
For the Level 4 workshop you will receive a Participant’s Manual which includes the Makaton symbols and signs that you learn in the workshop.
For all workshops you will be given a certificate of attendance. Please remember to keep your certificate in case you want to attend further Makaton training.
Cost
From £55pp
Maximum 15 participants in-person
Maximum 11 participants online
'Makaton workshops for...' courses
Elevate your communication skills
Imagine enhancing patient health outcomes with stress-free appointments, reduced anxiety, and smoother engagements. Our RANGE of 3.5 hour, tailored to specific roles Workshops empowers staff to involve patients in their healthcare decisions, fostering collaboration to improve overall well-being and ensure everyone feels informed and engaged in their healthcare journey. Makaton is a communication programme that combines speech, signs and symbols to empower anyone living with learning or communication difficulties to understand and be understood.
These courses are also popular for those working within general Health & Social Care settings such as Supported living settings, with the Workshop for General Wellbeing being the most popular and relevant to roles supporting adults at home and in the community.
Makaton training enables your staff to connect confidently with people who have communication difficulties and needs. Training can offer ideas, advice, and guidance to improve your equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) strategies.
Tailored for those working with people who have learning and communication disabilities, this workshop will empower participants to engage more effectively with individuals who need extra communication support with their healthcare and wellbeing.
Bespoke training
Crafted in collaboration with experienced professionals specialising in learning and communication needs. Delivered in a flexible model to suit your needs with options for online or face-to-face sessions, our workshop offers:
Impactful Makaton Vocabulary: Enhance your capacity to communicate in both general and critical contexts.
Specialised Training: A 3 and a half hour robust session to unlock your team's communication potential designed to meet diverse communication needs and enhance you service's accessibility.
Key learning outcomes
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Proficient in everyday Makaton signs and symbols.
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Competent in specialist signs and symbols designed to improve understanding and reduce anxiety during appointments.
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Promote inclusion and awareness.
Cost
From £45pp
Maximum 15 participants in-person
Maximum 11 participants online
Watch my Needs course
Watch My Needs is a workshop designed for adults who are beginning to experience difficulties with understanding and recall, after having good understanding, recall and use of language.
The Watch My Needs Workshop is for direct use with adults with memory difficulties, who should attend the workshop sessions with a supporter.
These can also be delivered in a care home setting with members of staff supporting adults.
This workshop focuses on the Makaton Core user at the centre of the programme, with the aims of promoting independence, gaining confidence in making choices and taking part in daily activities.
Duration
This workshop is delivered over 5 consecutive weeks, 90 minutes per session including refreshment break.
Entry criteria
No previous knowledge of Makaton needed
Study materials
You will receive a Participant’s Manual per person which includes the Makaton symbols and signs that you learn in the workshop.
For all workshops you will be given a certificate of attendance.
Cost
£520 for up to 10 people, carers free to attend, for the 5 week block.