Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Celebrating Milestones, Supporting Inclusion and Finding Balance

Every week as a Makaton Tutor brings something a little different and that's one of the things I love most about this role. This week was a wonderful mix of online learning, celebrating a significant school achievement and taking a little time to recharge outside of work.

From delivering online training for a national supported living provider to celebrating an entire primary school team completing Level 1 Makaton training, it was a week filled with enthusiasm, inclusion and plenty of reasons to smile.

Supporting Inclusive Communication Through Online Training

The week began with another online Makaton training session for a national supported living provider.

One of the things I continue to enjoy about online training is how it brings together professionals from different locations who all share the same goal—to create more inclusive communication environments for the people they support.

Throughout the session, we explored how Makaton signs and symbols can be embedded into everyday routines to help individuals communicate more effectively, make choices, develop independence and feel more included in daily life.

No matter where participants join from, it's always inspiring to see teams sharing ideas, asking thoughtful questions and recognising the positive impact that accessible communication can have.

A Whole-School Achievement in Burnham-on-Sea

Later in the week, I returned to a fantastic primary school in Burnham-on-Sea to deliver the second and final part of their Level 1 Makaton training.

This session marked a significant milestone—not just for those attending, but for the entire school.

I'm delighted to say that every single member of staff has now successfully completed Level 1 Makaton training.

That is a fantastic achievement and demonstrates a genuine commitment to creating a whole-school approach to inclusive communication.

From teachers and teaching assistants to office staff, lunchtime supervisors and support staff, everyone has invested their time in developing new communication skills that will benefit the children they support every single day.

Enthusiasm That Makes a Difference

One thing that stood out throughout both parts of the training was the enthusiasm of the staff.

They embraced every activity, supported one another during signing practice, asked insightful questions and were genuinely excited about embedding Makaton into everyday school life.

It is always a privilege to work with schools that recognise communication as the foundation of learning, relationships and inclusion. Their commitment to creating a total communication environment will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their pupils and wider school community.

Why Whole-School Makaton Training Matters

When every member of staff learns Makaton, communication becomes consistent across the entire school.

Children benefit from seeing familiar signs used throughout the day—in classrooms, corridors, playgrounds, assemblies and everyday conversations.

A whole-school approach helps to:

• Build confidence for children with speech, language and communication needs.

• Promote inclusion across all areas of school life.

• Support understanding through consistent communication.

• Encourage positive interactions between staff and pupils.

• Create an environment where every child feels valued, understood and included.

  
  

Small changes in communication can make an enormous difference to children's confidence and participation.

A Personal Highlight: Making Time to Recharge

Alongside another busy week of training, I also did something new—I attended my first yoga session at the beautiful Old Town Quarry in Weston-super-Mare.

As much as I genuinely love what I do, it reminded me how important it is to step away from work occasionally and make time for yourself.

Practising yoga outdoors, surrounded by nature, offered the perfect opportunity to slow down, reset and appreciate the importance of balance.

As professionals, we often spend so much time supporting others that we forget how valuable it is to look after our own wellbeing too. Taking even a short break helps us return feeling refreshed, focused and ready to give our best.

It's certainly something I'll be making time for again.

Frequently Asked Questions About Level 1 Makaton Training

What is Level 1 Makaton training?

Level 1 introduces the core principles of Makaton and teaches practical everyday signs and symbols that can immediately be used in schools, care settings and everyday life.

Why is whole-school Makaton training so effective?

When all staff receive training, communication becomes consistent throughout the school, helping children experience the same inclusive approach wherever they are.

Can Makaton support all children?

Yes. While Makaton is often associated with supporting people with communication needs, many of its strategies benefit all children by reinforcing understanding, language development and inclusion.

Is online Makaton training effective?

Absolutely. Online sessions remain highly interactive and allow organisations to access high-quality training while encouraging discussion, practical activities and shared learning.

How can schools begin embedding Makaton?

Embedding starts by using signs alongside speech every day, introducing symbols into routines and ensuring staff consistently model inclusive communication.

Top Tips for Embedding Makaton in Schools

• Encourage every member of staff to use key signs daily.

• Display Makaton symbols around the school environment.

• Introduce a Sign of the Week to build confidence.

• Celebrate children's communication successes.

• Keep practising little and often—consistency is key.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This week reminded me why I love being a Makaton Tutor.

Whether delivering online training to professionals across the country or celebrating an entire primary school completing Level 1 together, every session is another opportunity to make communication more accessible and inclusive.

Seeing a whole staff team embrace Makaton with such enthusiasm was incredibly rewarding, and I have no doubt they will continue creating a communication-rich environment where every child can thrive.

And perhaps my biggest personal lesson this week? Even when you love your work, it's important to make time to pause, recharge and look after yourself too.

Let's Connect

Has your school or organisation taken the first steps towards becoming a total communication environment? Or have you recently found a new way to recharge outside of work?

I'd love to hear about your experiences—share your journey in the comments or get in touch to find out more about Makaton training.