What is Makaton? 

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It supports the development of essential communication skills such as attention and listening, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. 

Being able to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Almost everything we do involves communication; everyday tasks such as learning at school, asking for food and drink, sorting out problems, making friends and having fun. These all rely on our ability to communicate with each other. 

With Makaton, signs are used, with speech, in spoken word order. 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.

Makaton is  used in Rashielea to support our children to develop communication, language and literacy skills.  It is used as a support for children with and without language difficulties to allow all our learners to communicate with each other, learn and play together more easily. Teachers and staff in the school are committed to developing their expertise in Makaton and have introduced regular use of signs in the classroom and have displayed Makaton symbols around the school. This makes everyday communication more accessible for all our children when ordering lunch, going to the toilet or seeking help.