Makaton Training for Schools & Education
Practical Makaton Training for Education Teams
Makaton can be a valuable communication tool for schools and education settings supporting children and young people with speech, language and communication needs, learning disabilities, autism or other communication differences and EAL learners.
I provide practical, engaging Makaton training for schools, academies, colleges and education teams across the UK, helping staff develop confidence in using signs, symbols and visual communication within everyday practice.
In-person training is available across the South West, with online training available for organisations across the UK.
Supporting Communication Across Your School
Every school is different, which is why I tailor training around your setting, staff and the pupils you support.
Training can help staff:
-
Develop confidence using Makaton signs and symbols
-
Support children and young people who have difficulty communicating through speech
-
Use visual communication alongside spoken language
-
Create more inclusive communication environments
-
Support understanding, participation and choice
-
Use Makaton consistently across classrooms and wider school settings
-
Build practical communication strategies into everyday routines
Makaton Training for Teachers & School Staff
Training can be particularly useful for:
-
Mainstream primary and secondary schools
-
SEND departments
-
Special schools
-
Academy trusts
-
Alternative education settings
-
Teaching assistants and support staff
-
SENCOs and inclusion teams
-
Pastoral and wellbeing teams
-
School leadership teams
I can work with individual schools or provide training for larger teams across an academy trust or group of settings.
Makaton Levels, Workshops & Bespoke Training
Depending on your organisation's needs, training can include:
Makaton Levels 1–4
Structured Makaton training for staff who want to develop their knowledge and skills progressively.
Makaton Workshops
Focused sessions exploring particular areas of Makaton and communication.
Bespoke Makaton Training
Training designed around your pupils, staff and specific communication requirements.
Ongoing Staff Training
Regular training can help schools build knowledge over time, particularly where staff teams change or new staff join.
From Learning Makaton to Using Makaton
My approach is not simply about teaching staff a collection of signs.
I want staff to understand how Makaton can be used in real situations and feel confident putting their learning into practice.
Training can include practical opportunities to practise signs and visual communication, consider everyday school situations and explore how Makaton can become part of normal communication.
Supporting Inclusive Communication
For some children, being able to communicate a choice, express a need, join an activity or make themselves understood can make a significant difference to their experience of school.
Makaton can form part of a wider communication approach that helps children and young people feel understood, included and able to participate.
Experienced Makaton Training for Education
I am a Licensed Makaton Tutor with over 30 years of professional and personal experience across health, social care, Early Years and primary education.
Before becoming a full-time freelance Makaton trainer, I worked in a mainstream primary school as a Lead within a SEND hub while also delivering Makaton training.
This experience gives me a practical understanding of the pressures and realities of education settings.
In-Person or Online Training
South West: In-person training can be delivered at your school or organisation.
UK-wide: Online training is available for schools and education organisations anywhere in the UK.
Looking for Makaton Training for Your School?
If you are looking for practical Makaton training for your education team, I would be happy to discuss your requirements.
Let's talk about your organisation and find the right training for your staff.