Become Makaton Friendly
Mainstream Secondary School (SEN Support)
Why Makaton?
In a busy secondary school, creating an inclusive and supportive environment can transform a student’s experience. Meet Louise, a wheelchair user who communicates using Makaton signs and symbols. For Louise, feeling understood, included, and independent at school is crucial.
By becoming Makaton Friendly, your school, with the support of a Makaton Tutor, can ensure students like Louise feel welcome, empowered, and able to thrive — socially, emotionally, and academically.
Become Makaton Friendly today!
Imagine Louise’s school day
Here’s how a Makaton Friendly school can transform Louise’s experience, with guidance from your Makaton Tutor:
- Arriving in the morning:
Louise is greeted by staff using Makaton signs, setting a welcoming tone for her day.
- Navigating the school:
Makaton symbols are displayed across key areas — classrooms, toilets, lunch hall, library — helping Louise find her way independently.
- In class:
Teachers and support staff use Makaton confidently throughout the school day, ensuring Louise understands and can participate fully.
- At lunchtime:
Louise’s friends use Makaton signs to chat and play, making her feel included and valued.
This inclusive environment doesn’t just benefit Louise — it fosters a positive culture where every student feels confident, understood, and supported.
How your school can become Makaton Friendly
Becoming Makaton Friendly is simpler than you might think! With the right tools, training, and ongoing support from your Makaton Tutor, your school can create an inclusive environment that benefits staff and students alike.
1. Support transitions
- Work with your Makaton Tutor to implement strategies that support new students who use Makaton or could benefit from enhanced communication support, ensuring a smooth transition and creating a culture of inclusion.
2. Make your environment inclusive
- With the support of your Makaton Tutor, use Makaton symbols to label key areas in your environment, helping everyone navigate the setting with ease.
3. 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.
4. Engage students
- Your Makaton Tutor can help you develop strategies to engage all students with Makaton, fostering communication and connection within the student body.
- They’ll help you make the most of the Makaton Resources available to you to truly embed a culture of inclusive communication.
5. 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 isn’t just about individual students — it benefits your whole school community:
- For students: Create a safe, inclusive environment where every student feels confident and 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.
Start your journey today
Join the growing number of schools making a difference, with the expert support of a Makaton Tutor. Your tutor will guide you every step of the way — from developing a tailored plan for your school to providing ongoing support, training, and resources.
Get in touch with a Makaton Tutor to start your journey and create a truly inclusive environment for students like Louise. Together, let’s make your school a place where every student can thrive with the support of Makaton.
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 community where every student feels included, understood, and empowered to thrive — with the guidance and expertise of your Makaton Tutor!