Become Makaton Friendly

Specialist Junior/Middle School

Why Makaton?

In a specialist school, creating an environment where every child feels included and understood is essential. Meet Arun, a student with communication difficulties who loves being active and involved in all aspects of the school day. For Arun, feeling part of the action and being able to connect with his friends and teachers is key.

But sometimes, things can get noisy or overwhelming. Without the tools to communicate effectively, Arun can feel frustrated and left out.

By becoming Makaton Friendly, your school can give Arun the support he needs to thrive — helping him understand, engage, and shine in every part of his day.

Become Makaton Friendly today!

Female teacher interacting with her pupils at a table

 

Imagine Arun’s school day

Here’s how a Makaton Friendly school can support Arun:

  • Arriving in the morning:
    Arun is greeted with a cheerful “hello” in Makaton during the morning song. Staff use signs and symbols to welcome him and his peers.
  • Navigating the school:
    Makaton symbols label key areas like classrooms, toilets, and the lunch hall, giving Arun the confidence to move around independently.
  • In class:
    Teachers use Makaton signs to explain lessons and include symbolised activities for all students to join in. Small group sessions with games and vocabulary practice are part of Arun’s day, making learning fun and accessible.
  • At lunchtime:
    Arun uses Makaton signs to choose his lunch and chat with friends, ensuring he feels part of the group.
  • Playing at break:
    With symbolised instructions, Arun can invite his peers to play a simple game everyone understands, helping him build friendships.

This inclusive approach helps Arun feel understood, involved, and supported, creating a happier and more engaging school experience.

How your school can become Makaton Friendly

Becoming Makaton Friendly is easy with the right guidance and support. Here’s how you can get started — working alongside a Makaton Tutor to make the process smooth and effective:

1. Create an inclusive space

  • Work with your Makaton Tutor to develop a plan for using Makaton symbols across the school to label key areas, like classrooms, toilets, and the library.
  • Your Makaton Tutor will guide you in embedding Makaton Resources in your environment. For example, posters in reception to ensure every visitor feels comfortable and informed.

2. Train your staff

  • Your Makaton Tutor will help you provide the agreed Makaton training for your staff, equipping them with the appropriate skills to communicate effectively.

3. Engage students

  • Your Makaton Tutor can help you develop strategies to engage all students with Makaton, fostering communication and connection within the school.
  • They’ll help you make the most of the Makaton Resources available to you to truly embed a culture of inclusive communication.

4. Use Makaton every day:

  • Your Makaton Tutor will show you how to make the most of your Premium Group Membership, using Makaton signs, symbols, and resources to enhance communication across your setting, creating an environment where Makaton is used consistently across the school.
  • Your Makaton Tutor will guide you in ensuring that all staff understand how to implement Makaton in their day to day work.

Why it matters

Becoming Makaton Friendly benefits your entire school community:

  • For students: Create a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels supported.
  • For staff: Empower staff with the tools and knowledge to communicate effectively with all students, improving job satisfaction and teamwork.
  • For families: Strengthen relationships between staff, students, and families, ensuring everyone is on the same page and can communicate effectively.
  • For your school Enhance your school’s reputation for inclusivity and accessibility, supporting Ofsted goals and broader school values.

Young boy sitting at a table playing with symbol cards

 

Start your journey today

Join the growing number of schools making a difference with the guidance of a Makaton Tutor. Your Makaton Tutor will support you every step of the way, from developing a tailored plan for your school to providing ongoing training and resources to create a truly inclusive environment for students like Arun.

If you are unable to find a Makaton Friendly Tutor in your area, please get in touch with the Makaton Places team on [email protected]

Ready to apply?

Together, let’s build a school where every child feels included, understood, and able to thrive — guided by the expertise of your Makaton Tutor!