It is estimated that over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton signs and symbols, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech. In addition, many others use Makaton to support their communication on a day-to-day basis.

Makaton has been proven to be useful for all sorts of people including those who may find understanding concepts challenging, those who are developing their literacy skills, including grammatical knowledge, and those with English as an Additional Language.

Makaton uses speech with signs (gestures) and symbols (pictures) to aid communication. Signs are used with speech in spoken word order.  By using Makaton, children and adults can take a more active part in all aspects of life, because communication and language are the key to everything we do and learn.

We are able to offer:

• Makaton Levels 1 - 4
• Makaton Taster Sessions
• Makaton with Singing
• Makaton for parents, carers and supporters
• Makaton Know and Grow
• Makaton Safeguarding Workshop

We are able to offer these as direct delivery into your setting or as central courses delivered at our Cadmus Inclusive Hub in Walsall. All of our sessions are delivered by our experienced and accredited Makaton Tutor, Rebecca Thompson. 

Introducing Rebecca Thompson, Makaton Tutor

Rebecca is a teacher, Makaton tutor and musician with a passion for writing and sharing music, particularly with children.   She believes music offers huge pleasure and enjoyment and provides a powerful means of encouraging cooperation and inclusion, celebrating diversity and building self-esteem.  ​Since qualifying as a teacher in 2003, Rebecca has delivered the curriculum across the primary age range, written a wide range of music resources designed specifically to be used with Makaton and established two award winning choirs for children aged 5 to 7 and 7 to 11.

An increasing number of mainstream schools and nurseries use Makaton within their setting on a daily basis where there are children with a range of communication needs and where English is an additional language.  Makaton signs and symbols can act as a common thread between languages and can bridge the communication gap.  As an experienced Makaton tutor Rebecca has delivered courses to parents and carers, teachers and school-based staff as well as speech and language therapists and those working in care settings. 

The use of Makaton can encourage a sense of community, allowing all children to communicate with each other and with the world around them. This is something Rebecca feels particularly passionate about as her son, Jacob, has Down’s Syndrome and has used Makaton from a very early age.  

You can also find Rebecca at: https://www.jacobsladderproductions.co.uk/