Clare Standing, Makaton Tutor

Always a pleasure to train an enthusiastic team at Poles APart AP - Alternative Education Provision

Some of our Primary staff members recently took part in Makaton training.

This training helps staff develop additional communication skills so we can better support students who benefit from visual signs and symbols alongside spoken language. It’s all part of our commitment to making communication as accessible and inclusive as possible for every young person we work with. 🤎

Thank you to Clare Standing, Makaton Tutor! 👏🏼✨

Interested in a weekend 2 hour online Makaton Taster session? Learn 46 signs and symbols to help communicate with young children.

With The Makaton Charity – I just got recognised as one of their top fans! 🎉

🌟🍎A pleasure to have Bradford Families SEND Support Team attending a Makaton online Level 1 Workshop today. Well done everyone 👐
Looking forward to our upcoming Level 2 workshop! 🌟🍎

If you’d like to learn more Makaton signs join me for an online course. https://bookwhen.com/clarestanding

The sign of the week is To hug/ cuddle 🤗 #Makaton #makatonsignoftheweek

📢 Attention Makaton Members!

Connect with other members and practice signs - join us for the next MakaChat LIVE – Makaton Cafe!

📅 Wednesday 4th February 2026
⏰ 1.00–2.00pm
📍 Zoom

Join us for relaxed chat, friendly faces, and everyday conversations. Practise everyday signs or join our general chat room to catch up and connect with other members.

Build your confidence, practise your skills, and keep your Makaton journey moving forward — all in a warm, friendly space.

Register now: https://bit.ly/4j7IbMN

New dates for upcoming Makaton courses.

https://signtogethermakatontutor.my.canva.site/makaton-website

Makaton Training

A really interesting article written by a Makaton tutor. I have always preferred hand under hand support when working with children. The shift from us doing something ‘to a child’ to us doing something ‘with a a child’ means autonomy and more engagement. If physically a little more support is needed (and most importantly accepted) I would gently place their thumb between my thumb and index finger which helps to maintain contact at all times.

During a discussion with fellow Makaton tutors this week, we revisited how our practice has evolved — especially around supporting Makaton users with signing.

This blog reflects on the shift away from physical guidance methods like hand-over-hand or hand-under-hand, and how our growing understanding of body autonomy continues to shape best practice.

It’s a reminder that even small changes in our approach can make a big difference in promoting independence and respect.

https://e-voice.org.uk/bettertogether/weblog/57887344-signing-and-body-autonomy