Unlocking Communication Through Makaton: Signing Training for Parents, Schools, and Charities

At North West Speech and Language Therapy, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to communicate effectively. Makaton, a unique language programme that uses a combination of signs, symbols, and speech, is an incredible tool for breaking down barriers to communication. We’re proud to offer Makaton training for parents, carers, nurseries, schools, charities, and their service users—both online and in person.

Whether you're supporting a child with communication difficulties or creating an inclusive environment for your setting, Makaton training can make a profound difference.

What Is Makaton?

Makaton is a communication system that uses signs and symbols alongside spoken words to support understanding and expression. It’s widely used to help individuals with communication challenges, including those with:

• Down Syndrome
• Developmental delays
• Speech and language disorders
• Learning difficulties

Makaton can also benefit young children developing early language skills or anyone who finds verbal communication challenging.

Why Is Makaton So Effective?

Makaton bridges the gap between non-verbal and verbal communication by offering visual, spoken, and gestural support. Its benefits include:

• Improved Understanding: Using signs and symbols alongside spoken words reinforces meaning, helping individuals process language more effectively.
• Encouraging Speech Development: Signing doesn’t replace speech; it supports and enhances verbal communication, giving children confidence to use words.
• Reducing Frustration: Makaton provides an accessible way to communicate needs, thoughts, and feelings, reducing frustration and improving relationships.
• Supporting Inclusivity: Makaton creates an inclusive environment where everyone can participate, communicate, and feel understood.
• Building Connections: Whether at home, school, or within a community group, Makaton fosters shared communication and deeper connections.

Makaton Training for Parents and Carers

We understand the importance of communication in the home. Makaton training for parents and carers provides practical skills to support children’s understanding and expression in day-to-day life. Whether you’re helping your child ask for a snack, express how they feel, or enjoy stories and songs, Makaton can make communication easier and more enjoyable.

Makaton for Nurseries and Schools

Makaton is a fantastic resource for early years settings, schools, and specialist provisions. By introducing Makaton, you can:

• Foster inclusive classrooms where all children feel valued.
• Improve communication for children with speech and language difficulties.
• Support early language development for all children.
• Create an environment where everyone can participate in learning, play, and social interactions.

We provide training for teaching staff, teaching assistants, and SENCOs to help embed Makaton into daily routines, group activities, and learning opportunities.

Makaton for Charities and Service Users

Charities and community groups often support individuals with diverse communication needs. Makaton training empowers staff, volunteers, and service users to communicate effectively, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and included. Whether you’re running activity sessions, providing care, or working with families, Makaton can transform the way you connect and communicate.

Flexible Training: Online or In Person

We know that flexibility is key. That’s why we offer Makaton training in a format that works for you:

• In-Person Training: We can deliver face-to-face sessions at your home, nursery, school, or organisation, ensuring hands-on, interactive learning.
• Online Training: For those who prefer virtual learning, we provide engaging and accessible online sessions that fit around your schedule.

Our training is tailored to the needs of each group, ensuring that parents, carers, educators, and organisations gain the skills and confidence to use Makaton effectively.

The Power of Signing for Language Development

Makaton supports children to understand and use language in a multi-sensory way. By combining signs, symbols, and speech, it:

• Provides visual and kinesthetic support to reinforce language.
• Encourages children to develop their communication skills at their own pace.
• Reduces barriers for those who struggle with speech or understanding spoken language.
• Makes communication a fun and shared experience for families, peers, and educators.

Why Choose North West Speech and Language Therapy for Makaton Training?

As qualified Speech and Language Therapists, we bring expertise, experience, and a passion for helping individuals develop their communication skills. When you train with us, you’ll gain practical, easy-to-use strategies that can be immediately applied in your setting, classroom, or home.

We are committed to empowering families, schools, and charities to create inclusive environments where communication thrives, and every individual is supported to reach their potential.

Get Started with Makaton Training

If you’re ready to unlock the power of Makaton, we’re here to help. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, carer, or organisation, we’ll tailor training to meet your specific needs.

Contact us today to learn more about Makaton training or to book a session. Together, we can open up a world of communication and help every individual find their voice.