Why Makaton Training Matters in Every Sector

Communication sits at the heart of everything we do. It’s how we connect, comfort, teach, support, and build trust. Yet for many people, understanding and expressing themselves with words alone can be challenging — whether due to learning disabilities, developmental delays, dementia, acquired brain injury, or simply the stress of being in an unfamiliar environment.

I've spent many years in roles across sectors and this is what I've found from my own personal experience and includes thoughts and discussions shared during training.

That’s where Makaton comes in.

Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech to support understanding and expression. It’s not just for specialist settings — it’s a tool that can transform communication across every sector.

💬 In Education: Building Inclusive Classrooms

Schools and early years settings are often where communication support begins. Makaton helps create an inclusive environment where every child — whether verbal or not — feels heard and understood.

Teachers and teaching assistants who use Makaton notice calmer classrooms, improved engagement, and more confident learners. It can support vocabulary development, social skills, and emotional regulation — especially for children with additional needs.

Even simple daily routines, like signing “good morning”, “toilet”, or “help”, make a huge difference to how supported and included children feel.

🩺 In Health and Social Care: Dignity Through Communication

In health and care settings, communication can mean the difference between comfort and confusion. For people who find it hard to understand or express themselves, Makaton provides a bridge.

From a nurse explaining a procedure, to a care worker supporting someone living with dementia, or a therapist building trust during sessions — Makaton gives professionals the tools to connect compassionately and clearly.

It supports dignity, reduces anxiety, and ensures people can make informed choices and express feelings — essential for person-centred care.

🏢 In the Workplace: Accessibility for All

Communication accessibility isn’t just a care issue — it’s a workplace one too. Reception staff, customer service teams, retail workers, and community organisations can all benefit from basic Makaton awareness.

Imagine walking into a shop, GP surgery, or community centre and being greeted by someone who understands a few simple Makaton signs. That small moment of recognition can remove barriers, reduce stress, and create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Makaton helps make inclusion visible — it shows that communication accessibility has been considered, valued, and acted upon.

🧠 In Mental Health and Wellbeing: Giving a Voice to Feelings

When someone struggles to find words, emotions can quickly build into frustration or isolation. Makaton helps people express feelings, preferences, and needs in a way that makes sense to them.

Professionals who support emotional wellbeing — counsellors, support workers, activity coordinators — can use Makaton to create safe, calm, and understanding spaces. Being able to sign “sad”, “angry”, or “I need help” can be incredibly empowering.

🌍 Creating a Truly Inclusive Society

When more sectors embrace Makaton, communication barriers begin to fall. It’s not about adding extra work — it’s about making small, meaningful changes that have a lasting impact.

Makaton training gives individuals and organisations the confidence to communicate inclusively. Whether you’re a teacher, nurse, shop assistant, parent, or volunteer, learning Makaton says:

“Everyone deserves to be understood.”

✋ Getting Started

You don’t need to be fluent to make a difference. Even learning a few core signs and symbols can help you connect, reassure, and include others in everyday life.

Training can be tailored to your setting — from education to health, social care, and community services.

Communication is everyone’s responsibility. By embedding Makaton across sectors, we create a world that listens, understands, and responds — one sign and one symbol at a time.

References

• The Makaton Charity. (2024). What is Makaton? https://www.makaton.org

• Department for Education. (2022). SEND Code of Practice.

• NHS England. (2023). Accessible Communication Guidance.

• CQC. (2023). Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture.

• BBC. (2024). Something Special – CBeebies.

  
  

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**Disclaimer**

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and thoughts and information expressed in these blogs are from my own personal thoughts and real life experiences, they do not contain advisory content. While always striving to provide accurate and up-to-date content, there are no guarantees about the completeness or reliability of any information. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. 

All information on the site is provided in good faith, however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site.

These blogs are created from my own personal experience and are for general information purposes and are not, in any way, advisory. Where needed I have included research and reference links and further reading articles.

At times I have used AI generated content to reword my own thoughts and may include AI research of  information relevant to the blog and to create images relevant to my blogs, however whenever possible I have used my own images with permission from those featured in the images. My blogs are open to fair use.

Any questions or queries please do get in touch - alimakatontutor@gmail.com