Benefits of Makaton training for your organisation
In-house training allows your team to learn together, using examples and situations 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
Looking for Makaton training in your area? Explore training across the South West →
Makaton Training Levels & Workshops
Bespoke Makaton Taster Session
Makaton Levels 1 - 4
Specialist Makaton workshops
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
A 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:
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
'Makaton for Early Years Settings' workshop
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
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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School Support 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.
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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
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)
-
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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
'Makaton workshops for...' courses
Elevate your communication skills
Imagine enhancing patient health outcomes with stress-free appointments, reduced anxiety, and smoother engagements. These 3.5 hour workshops, tailored to specific roles empower 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
Pricing is based on your organisations requirements, group size, delivery format and training selected.
Please get in touch for a personalised quote.
Which training is right for your organisation?
Every organisation is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Makaton training. Whether you are introducing Makaton to your team for the first time, developing existing skills or looking for training around a specific communication need, I can help you find the right option.
Makaton Levels 1–4
Ideal for organisations wanting to develop staff knowledge and skills progressively. The Makaton Levels provide a structured approach to learning and developing confidence with Makaton.
Makaton For... Workshops
Focused sessions are a great option if your team would benefit from an introduction to Makaton or wants to explore a particular area of communication without committing to a full programme of levels.
Bespoke Makaton Taster
If your organisation has specific communication needs, I can create training around your setting, staff team and the people you support. This can be particularly useful when you want the training to reflect your everyday environment and priorities.
Regular or Ongoing Training
For larger organisations or teams wanting to continue developing their skills, regular training sessions can help build knowledge, confidence and consistency over time.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
You don't need to know exactly what training you need before getting in touch. Tell me about your organisation, your team and the people you support, and we can discuss the most appropriate training approach for your needs.
Let's talk about your organisation and find the right training for your team.
Makaton Training for Organisations →