Diary of a Makaton Tutor: Returning to Freeways & personal reflection

There is something particularly special about returning to an organisation where your Makaton journey has been part of their story for many years.

This week, I had the pleasure of returning to Freeways in Bristol to deliver Level 1 Makaton training. This was my fourth visit to this wonderful organisation, and returning this time brought back some lovely memories of where my journey with Freeways began.

Returning to Freeways in Bristol

Freeways is an organisation that places great importance on supporting people with effective and accessible communication. Their commitment to the people they support makes them a fantastic setting in which to deliver Makaton training.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of delivering several different sessions for the team, each with its own focus and purpose.

This visit was particularly exciting as I was back to deliver Level 1 Makaton training, giving staff the opportunity to develop their knowledge and practical signing skills and explore how Makaton can be embedded into everyday communication.

A Makaton Journey That Started Eight Years Ago

Returning to Freeways also gave me the opportunity to reflect on just how much can happen in eight years.

Incredibly, my first-ever Level 1 Makaton training at Freeways was delivered eight years ago.

Since then, I've returned to deliver a range of sessions, including a Makaton workshop focusing on general wellbeing and a Makaton taster session.

To now be back delivering Level 1 again feels like coming full circle.

It is always rewarding to see organisations continue to invest in communication and to know that Makaton has remained an important part of their approach to supporting the people they work with.

From Taster Sessions to Level 1 Training

One of the things I love about delivering different types of Makaton sessions is seeing how they can form part of an organisation's longer-term communication journey.

A taster session can be the spark that introduces people to Makaton and gets them thinking about the possibilities.

A workshop can then explore how Makaton can support a particular area, such as wellbeing and emotional communication.

Level 1 takes that learning further, providing participants with a stronger foundation of signs and symbols that they can begin using confidently in everyday situations.

It is fantastic to see organisations like Freeways continuing to build on their knowledge and recognise that effective communication is an ongoing journey.

Putting Makaton Into Everyday Practice

During Level 1, we explored how Makaton can be used naturally alongside speech and within everyday interactions.

For staff supporting people with communication needs, this might include using signs and symbols to support:

• Choices and decision-making

• Daily routines

• Social interaction

• Understanding instructions

• Expressing feelings and emotions

• Building independence

• Reducing communication barriers

  
  

The aim isn't simply to learn a list of signs. It's about developing communication strategies that are meaningful and useful for the individuals being supported.

Why Consistency Matters

One of the most important messages I share during Makaton training is the importance of consistency.

When staff use signs and visual communication regularly, they become a natural part of the environment rather than something that only happens during a particular activity.

For the people being supported, this can create greater predictability and more opportunities to communicate in ways that work for them.

It is this everyday embedding of Makaton that can make such a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Level 1 Makaton

What is Level 1 Makaton training?

Level 1 introduces the principles of Makaton and provides learners with practical signs and symbols that can be used to support everyday communication.

Who can benefit from Makaton?

Makaton can support children and adults with speech, language and communication needs and can be used across education, health, social care, supported living and community settings.

Does Makaton replace speech?

No. Makaton is designed to be used alongside speech, with signs and symbols providing additional visual support for communication and understanding.

How can organisations embed Makaton?

The most effective approach is to use Makaton regularly and consistently throughout everyday interactions, while encouraging teams to practise and share their learning.

Why is staff training important?

Training gives staff the confidence and knowledge to use signs and symbols appropriately and consistently, helping create a more communication-friendly environment.

Top Tips for Embedding Makaton

• Start with signs that are meaningful to the people you support.

• Use signs alongside spoken language consistently.

• Practise regularly so signing becomes more natural.

• Share new signs and learning with colleagues.

• Look for opportunities to use Makaton throughout everyday routines.

• Remember that communication is about connection, not perfection.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Returning to Freeways after eight years was a lovely reminder of just how rewarding the Makaton journey can be.

From delivering my first Level 1 course there eight years ago, to returning for a wellbeing workshop, a taster session and now another Level 1 course, it has been wonderful to see their continued commitment to supporting effective communication.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to return to organisations, build relationships and see how Makaton continues to become part of their approach to communication.

Every training session is a new opportunity to share knowledge, build confidence and, most importantly, help create more opportunities for people to communicate.

Let's Connect

Have you been on a Makaton journey that has developed over several years—perhaps from a taster session through to formal training? Which stage made the biggest difference: getting started, building confidence, or embedding Makaton into everyday practice?