Makaton Language Programme

As a school it is important that we do all that we can to enable our children to communicate effectively with staff and peers to overcome feelings of anxiety, isolation and frustration. Through the introduction of Makaton, we hope that we can further support children with communication delay, English as an additional language and speech and language difficulties.

Background information on Makaton

Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help people to communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech, in spoken word order. 

For those who have experienced the frustration of being unable to communicate meaningfully or effectively, Makaton really can help. Makaton takes away that frustration and enables individuals to connect with other people and the world around them. This opens up all kinds of possibilities. 

This helps provide extra clues about what someone is saying. Using signs can help people who have no speech or whose speech is unclear. Using symbols can help people who have limited speech and those who cannot, or prefer not to sign.