Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Continuing My Own Makaton CPD, Tutor Revision and Supporting Inclusive Communication

One of the most important parts of being a Makaton Tutor is recognising that learning never stops. While I spend much of my time delivering training and supporting others on their communication journey, it’s equally important that I continue developing my own skills and knowledge too.

This week gave me the opportunity to do exactly that through my own Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with The Makaton Charity, alongside delivering another online training session for staff at Achieve Together.

Attending My Own Makaton CPD and Tutor Revision Session

As Makaton continues to evolve, ongoing training and revision are essential for tutors to remain confident, accurate and up to date.

During my tutor revision session, I spent time revisiting signs and symbols, refreshing core knowledge and learning new vocabulary updates. These sessions are incredibly valuable—not only for maintaining consistency in delivery, but also for ensuring the training I provide reflects current best practice.

Being able to revisit signs, practise symbol recognition and discuss real-life communication scenarios with other tutors is always inspiring. It reinforces how important ongoing professional development is within the world of total communication.

Why Continuing Professional Development Matters in Makaton

CPD is an important part of maintaining high-quality Makaton practice. Communication approaches develop over time, and staying updated ensures that tutors and practitioners continue delivering accurate, meaningful, and inclusive support.

Keeping skills refreshed helps tutors to:

• Deliver training confidently and consistently

• Stay updated with new signs and symbols

• Share current best practice with organisations

• Continue creating inclusive communication environments

• Support learners more effectively in real-life situations

As tutors, we encourage others to keep practising and embedding Makaton daily—and it’s just as important that we model that commitment ourselves.

Delivering Another Online Makaton Session for Achieve Together

Alongside my own learning, I also delivered another online Makaton training session for staff at Achieve Together.

Online learning continues to provide fantastic opportunities for teams to access training flexibly while still engaging in meaningful discussions, activities, and practical learning.

It’s always encouraging to work with professionals who are passionate about improving communication and creating more inclusive environments for the people they support. Sessions like these demonstrate how Makaton can strengthen understanding, reduce communication barriers and build confidence for both staff and service users.

Frequently Asked Questions About Makaton Training

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech to support communication and language development.

Who can benefit from Makaton?

Makaton can support children and adults with communication difficulties, but it also benefits wider groups by encouraging inclusive communication and supporting understanding for everyone.

Do you need previous experience to attend training?

No previous experience is needed. Makaton training is designed to be accessible for beginners as well as professionals looking to build their existing skills.

Why is embedding Makaton important?

Embedding Makaton into everyday routines helps communication become more natural, consistent, and meaningful. Regular use supports understanding, confidence, and inclusion.

Can Makaton training be delivered online?

Yes. Online Makaton training sessions can be highly interactive and flexible, allowing teams and organisations to access learning from different locations.

Top Tips for Keeping Makaton Skills Fresh

• Practise signs regularly in everyday situations

• Use symbols alongside spoken language where possible

• Attend revision and CPD sessions to stay updated

• Learn little and often rather than all at once

• Build confidence through repetition and real-life use

  
  

Final Thoughts

This week was a fantastic reminder that learning is ongoing for everyone—whether you are just beginning your Makaton journey or delivering training as a tutor.

Attending my own CPD and revision sessions allows me to continue growing professionally while ensuring I can provide the best possible support to the schools, organisations and teams I work with.

Communication is always evolving, and investing in continuous learning helps us create more inclusive environments for everyone.

Let’s Connect

Have you recently attended Makaton training or a CPD session? How do you keep your signs and symbols fresh in everyday practice?

I’d love to hear about your experiences and favourite ways to embed Makaton into daily communication.