Diary of a Makaton Tutor: A Warm Welcome and Looking Ahead to a Busy Week

Some sessions in the year always stand out—and my annual visit to University Centre Weston is definitely one of them.

Each year, I have the privilege of delivering a training session to the Early Childhood Studies group, and without fail, I’m welcomed with such warmth and enthusiasm. It’s become something I truly look forward to, and this year was no exception.

From the moment I arrived, the energy in the room was positive and engaging. The students were eager to learn, ask questions, and really understand how Makaton can be used in their future practice. It’s always so encouraging to see the next generation of practitioners embracing inclusive communication from the very beginning of their careers.

During the session, we explored how Makaton benefits all children—not just those with identified communication needs. We discussed how it can be particularly supportive for children who are learning English as an additional language, helping them to access and understand spoken language through visual and physical cues.

We also talked about children who may feel anxious or overwhelmed in busy group environments. For these children, Makaton can provide a sense of reassurance and clarity, supporting their understanding of routines and expectations while giving them a way to communicate at their own pace.

The students were incredibly enthusiastic, fully immersing themselves in the session and showing a genuine passion for creating inclusive environments. Knowing that they will take this knowledge into their future roles is always a highlight for me.

Alongside this, I also delivered another online training session for Achieve Together. Once again, the session sparked some fantastic questions and thoughtful discussions around implementing Makaton in supported living environments.

Some of the questions we explored included:

• What are simple ways to introduce Makaton into everyday routines in supported living settings?

• How can staff build their confidence in using signs consistently?

• What strategies can we use to support individuals with varying communication needs within the same setting?

  
  

These conversations are always so valuable, as they help bridge the gap between training and real-life practice.

As this week comes to an end, I’m now back in the office preparing for what is set to be a VERY busy week ahead. I’ll be delivering training across three different schools—one in Yeovil, one in Burnham-on-Sea and another in Kewstoke.

It’s going to be a full-on week, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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.