Makaton

Makaton is a unique language programme that combines speech with signs and symbols to support communication. It is estimated that over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton as their main form of communication or alongside speech to help express themselves more clearly. Makaton empowers people to take an active part in learning and everyday life, helping to build confidence, connection and inclusion.

Who Can Benefit from Makaton?

Makaton is highly effective for people who may find understanding or expressing language challenging, those developing literacy and grammar skills, and individuals with English as an Additional Language. By using signs in spoken word order and visual symbols to support meaning, Makaton helps learners understand and communicate in a way that works best for them.

Meet Rebecca Thompson – Makaton Tutor

Rebecca Thompson is an experienced teacher, musician and accredited Makaton tutor who brings energy, empathy and expertise to every session. Since qualifying as a teacher in 2003, Rebecca has taught across the primary age range, written a variety of music resources designed for use with Makaton and founded two award-winning children’s choirs. Her approach combines creativity and inclusivity, using music to celebrate diversity, build self-esteem and encourage connection through shared communication.

Rebecca understands the transformative power of Makaton on both a professional and personal level. Her son, Jacob, has Down’s Syndrome and has used Makaton from a very early age, inspiring her belief in its ability to bridge communication gaps and create a sense of community. Rebecca has delivered Makaton training to parents, carers, teachers, speech and language therapists, and professionals in education and care settings — helping everyone feel equipped to support inclusive communication in their environments.

rebecca

Our Makaton Courses

Cadmus Inclusive offers the following accredited Makaton training options that are ideal for everyone, whatever your role is in education. All our Makaton courses run throughout the year and can also be delivered directly into your setting.

Friday 6th November 2026 – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Delivered by Rebecca Thompson, Cost – £90 + VAT

Level One Makaton training is the ideal introduction to the Makaton Language Programme, offering a practical and engaging start for anyone wishing to learn this unique system of signs and symbols. Delivered by our qualified and experienced tutor, Rebecca Thompson, the session provides a supportive environment to build confidence and communication skills.

During the training day, participants learn a wide range of useful signs and symbols, explore commonly asked questions, and gain valuable hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use. The course also covers how to begin using Makaton in your own setting, helping you to integrate it into everyday communication.

All participants receive a Digital Learning Kit. Those who complete Level One can continue their Makaton journey by progressing to Levels Two, Three, and Four.

Click to Book Level One

Friday 27th November 2026- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm – Delivered by Rebecca Thompson, Cost – £90 + VAT

Level two Makaton training is the ideal next step for anyone who has completed level one and wishes to further develop their skills. Building on the solid foundations established in the first course, this training day focuses on improving and expanding your use of signs and symbols so you can use them more effectively in everyday communication. The session is delivered by our qualified and experienced Makaton tutor, Rebecca Thompson.

During the course, you will revise the signs and symbols introduced in level one before learning additional vocabulary and accompanying signs to enhance your Makaton knowledge.

Entry Requirements:

Participants must have completed Makaton level one training and bring their certificate on the training day.

Resources Provided:

All participants receive a comprehensive Digital Learning Kit, along with a certificate of attendance.

After completing level two, participants can progress to level three and level four Makaton training to continue their learning journey.

Click to Book Level Two

Friday 29th January 2027 – Delivered by Rebecca Thompson, Cost – £90  + VAT

Level three Makaton training is the ideal next step for those who have completed levels one and two and wish to continue developing their communication skills. Building on the strong foundations of the earlier courses, this training day focuses on further improving your signing and symbol use so you can apply them confidently in everyday situations. The course is led by our qualified and experienced Makaton tutor, Rebecca Thompson.

During the session, you will revisit the signs and symbols learned in level two before expanding your vocabulary with new signs and accompanying symbols.

Entry Requirements:

Participants must have completed both Makaton level one and two training and present their certificates on the training day.

Resources Provided:

Each participant receives a comprehensive Digital Learning Kit, as well as a certificate of attendance.

After completing level three, participants are eligible to progress to the level four Makaton training day.

Click to Book Level Three

Friday 26th February 2027- Delivered by Rebecca Thompson, Cost – £90 + VAT 

Level four training will support you further to improve and develop your signing and symbol skills so you can use them effectively every day.

You will revise the signs and symbols you learned in your previous Makaton training and then learn further vocabulary with the accompanying signs.

Entry Requirements:

Participants must have completed Makaton level three training and be able to produce their certificate on the training day.

Resources:

You will receive a Digital Learning Kit. You will also receive a certificate of attendance.  

Click to Book Level Four

Bespoke deliveries available upon request – Delivered by Rebecca Thompson.

Do you want to make your service more accessible?

Are you looking for a faster and more effective way to communicate in critical situations?

Do you want to empower people to make their own choices?

Makaton Frontline training will empower you to achieve better outcomes for individuals accessing your service. You will learn how to combine Makaton signs, symbols and everyday essential vocabulary with speech to ensure that your service users can understand and be understood.

Designed for those who have no prior knowledge of Makaton, this course is ideal for first responders, paramedics, fire fighters, nurses, doctors, dentists and those in caring professions.

The session explores:

  • What is Makaton?
  • An overview of the communication challenges many face.
  • The chance to learn many Makaton signs suited to your job sector.
  • How to correctly use these skills and adapt them.
  • All participants receive handouts upon completion with signs, symbols, and guidance for continued learning.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this training, you should:

  1. Have a basic understanding of Makaton.
  2. Know what the Makaton symbols relevant to your profession mean.
  3. Be able to confidently use Makaton in a professional situation.
  4. Be able to utilise the handout booklet for further reference and support.
Contact bhawes@cadmusinclusive.co.uk for a bespoke quote

BOOK NOW

To book, please download the purchase order form (below) and email it to:

Beccie Hawes, CEO
bhawes@cadmusinclusive.co.uk

Please download and complete the relevant Purchase Order for each course.