Using Makaton in School

Communication is fundamental to learning, social connection, and inclusion. Yet for many children, expressing themselves can be challenging, particularly for those with speech, language, or communication needs (SLCN). This is where Makaton — a communication programme using signs, symbols, and speech — can make a real difference.

Teaching Makaton in schools not only supports children with additional needs but also fosters inclusive classrooms, promotes empathy, and strengthens communication skills for all students.

What Is Makaton?

Makaton is a communication system that combines speech with signs and symbols to support understanding and expression. Unlike some sign languages, Makaton is designed to support verbal language, not replace it.

It is widely used across the UK in schools, nurseries, healthcare settings, and homes to help children and adults communicate effectively.

The Benefits of Teaching Makaton in School

1. Promotes Inclusion

When children of all abilities can use Makaton, classrooms become inclusive learning environments. Students with communication difficulties can participate fully in lessons, social interactions, and group activities.

2. Supports Emotional Development

Makaton helps children express feelings, manage frustrations, and communicate needs. Signs for words like “help,” “happy,” “sad,” and “stop” allow children to articulate emotions they may not yet have the words for.

3. Enhances Social Skills

Learning and using Makaton encourages empathy, patience, and understanding among peers. Children who can communicate with classmates with SLCN are more likely to develop stronger friendships and social bonds.

4. Reduces Behavioural Challenges

Frustration from not being understood can lead to challenging behaviour. Providing children with Makaton tools helps reduce misunderstandings and creates a calmer, more supportive classroom environment.

5. Supports Language Development

Research shows that using signs alongside speech can actually accelerate verbal language development, rather than hinder it. Makaton acts as a bridge to speech and comprehension.

How Schools Can Introduce And Use Makaton in School

As a professional working in schools for many years, I completely understand the lack of time (and funding) for training and for making and creating resources, so I've shared some ideas below so that introducing Makaton doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Schools can start small:

• Train staff and teachers in basic signs and symbols, a taster session focussed on supporting in school, completing Level 1 and 2 training to understand the fundamentals of using Makaton and the many benefits.

  
  

• Focus on introducing a few signs and symbols per week, practise using these whilst building your teams confidence. Don't start trying to embed Makaton by trying to use all of the signs you know at once, this can be overwhelming!

  
  

• Appoint a Makaton lead (or two) for your school.

  
  

• Incorporate Makaton in routines like registration, mealtimes, and transitions

  
  

• Incorporate Makaton into play activities, songs, rhymes and stories

  
  

• Encourage peer learning, allowing children to sign together. I had 'Makaton Reps' 2 children from each class and year group would attend a 'Makaton meeting' once a term, I would teach them signs to take back to their class to teach the other children, they had badges to wear so their peers (and staff) could recognise a Makaton rep. This was very successful!

  
  

• Use visual supports and classroom displays to reinforce signs and symbols, I created Makaton Sign and Symbol of the week boards for each classroom and implemented the use of consistent visual timetables across the school. The Makaton Charity also do a 'sign of the week' video on their socials, you can subscribe to their YOUTUBE channel too for easy to access sign videos.

  
  

Even introducing a handful of key signs daily can make a significant difference.

Real-Life Impact

In the many classrooms that I have worked in, where Makaton is embedded, I have seen a significant improvement in children's confidence in communication and in their understanding

Behavioural improvement where frustration due to communication difficulties has then been supported with the consistent use of Makaton, peer social interactions have improved due to more shared understanding and introduction of various different ways of communicating easing the pressure of spoken words.

Noticeably improved participation and smoother classroom management.

Makaton doesn’t just benefit children with additional needs — it enriches the learning experience for everyone in the school.

Making Makaton a Standard Part of Education

Every child deserves the opportunity to communicate, connect, and learn effectively. Teaching Makaton in all schools is a simple but powerful step toward inclusive education.

It’s about equipping children with the tools to express themselves, fostering empathy, and building classrooms where everyone feels valued.

Ready to explore training options for your staff teams? Click HERE

Or drop me an email to find out more! alimakatontutor@gmail.com