How do I learn Makaton?
The best way to start learning Makaton is to attend Level 1 training .
It means that you learn with other people, share your experiences,
receive feedback on your signing and symbol work and enables you to
practise with others. It also gives you the opportunity to meet and
build a relationship with a Makaton Tutor, who can help and support you
in the future.
All Makaton training provides you with information about what Makaton
is and how it can be used in different settings. You also learn signs
and symbols from the Core Vocabulary to an appropriate level. The Core Vocabulary has the signs and symbols needed for everyday communication.
There are over 1,000 licensed Makaton Tutors across the UK,
delivering training to over 30,000 parents, carers and professionals
every year. Having a tutor network across the UK means people access
Makaton training locally and have a local support network.
Most tutors are employed by health, education and social care
organisations and deliver Makaton training as part of their job. Others
work in a freelance capacity.
Once you have attended Level 1 training you can extend and deepen your understanding by attending Level 2 training : Level 1 and 2 training is often combined and delivered on consecutive days.
After completing Level 2 training you can complete your understanding of the Core Vocabulary by attending Level 3 and Level 4 training.
How can I be sure of the quality of the training I receive?
Makaton Tutors meet criteria and standards which are set by The
Makaton Charity. They receive regular updates from the charity and must
attend Continual Professional Development days as part of their licence
to practice.
The Makaton Charity has a register of approved, licensed tutors and
trainers. All licensed tutors have been trained and assessed by The
Makaton Charity.
All of our training is standardised which means that wherever you
receive your Makaton training, it is exactly the same as someone else
will receive, in another part of the UK.
How much does Makaton training cost?
Makaton workshops are provided through our tutor network. In order to
help keep the cost of Makaton training as low as possible, The Makaton
Charity recommends the levels of fees that tutors and trainers should
charge. Tutors and trainers charge for the training they offer but
sometimes have to add on the cost of room hire, travel and other
necessary expenses.
As part of your training, you will receive your own study materials
which include: Makaton symbols and signs, participant manual(s) and a
certificate of attendance.
The Makaton Charity is responsible for training all tutors. For more information see How can I teach Makaton? .
How do I find Makaton training?
Go to Find training
to search for training in your area, get in touch with your local Makaton Tutor, or email [email protected].
Taster sessions
If you are not sure whether Makaton training is for you, try a
Makaton Taster session. These short sessions are designed for people
who are interested in finding out about Makaton and deciding whether or
not to attend Makaton training.
The Taster gives you a general introduction into what Makaton is and
who uses it, with the opportunity to learn a few signs and symbols too.
What resources are available?
We have a wide selection of resources to help you learn Makaton. You should start with our Core Vocabulary resources . The Core Vocabulary provides a small nucleus of basic concepts essential to everyday life.