Due to continuing increases in our production and operating costs we have reluctantly had to increase our standard prices by about 5%. To support parents and new users over the next few weeks we are running a summer sale with up to 60% discount on some of our most popular resources. The sale runs until Monday 12th August.

The new Now and Next Resource provides a visual prompt to help Makaton users to move on from one activity to another and to prepare them for what will happen next.

It can also be used to show them that a preferred activity (one which they find motivating) will happen, but after something else, for example 'Now puzzle, next computer.'

Knowing what to expect and when can help to reduce anxiety for some users.

21-year-old Chloe, who has been using Makaton to support her communication since she was a child, has started sharing Makaton on social media, and in weekly singing and signing sessions.

With the support of Dramatize, a theatrical provision for adults with learning disabilities, Chloe has launched an Instagram and Facebook account that shows her followers a sign of the day.

James was born in 2016 and has complex medical needs including having a tracheostomy for laryngeal stenosis (narrowing of his airway), kidney issues, and heart issues that required open heart surgery. Due to James’s airway problems he unfortunately cannot vocalise.

"When James was around 6 months old we were introduced to a speech and language therapist who began to teach us the basics of Makaton.

“To someone starting out in learning Makaton, I completely understand how overwhelming, scary and even frustrating it can be having to learn this form of communication, but the impact Makaton will have on your family life will be truly amazing to help you understand what your loved one needs.”

Tuesday 18th June was the official launch day of the initiative to make Canterbury a Makaton Friendly City...

“Our school Tutors liaised with Hannah and Sarah at The Makaton Charity, who offered us advice and linked us in with the local news service from BBC South East.

"We liaised with Yasmin and Helen from the BBC who planned a day of publicity and recording to help publicise our launch, with filming and a report that was transmitted on our launch date.  Helen (the reporter) and her cameraman spent a morning of filming in school, and an afternoon filming in the city centre.”

Alfreton Park Community Special School is on a mission to make Alfreton the first Makaton Friendly Town in the Midlands.

"By equipping establishments in Alfreton with the skills they need to meet the needs of all their customers and clients, we hope to create an inclusive society that everyone can feel part of.

"On 11th July, staff and pupils from the school and members of the community appeared on ITV News to publicise their mission."

Training to become a Makaton Tutor is rigorous and can be hard work but it could be one of the most rewarding things you do! 

The four-day residential Tutor training course costs £1,950, which includes tuition, all course material, accommodation, all meals and a copy of the Foundation Workshop Tutor Pack on successful completion.

We are now booking places on the following Tutor training course:

• 11th – 14th November 2019: Heaton Mount, Bradford

We are seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees who can provide the clear strategic leadership, support and stewardship we need at a particularly important time in our development.

With a new and exciting vision and strategy in place, you will ensure that our organisation is both positioned and equipped to deliver our ambitions.

You will lead a committed, diverse Trustee Board and work with our Chief Executive, Stephen Hall, to address the opportunities and challenges that arise in our environment as we deliver a step change in both reach and impact.

Congratulations to Eve Hesketh, Alice Waddington and Emily Kavanaugh who have won the Andrew Parker Student Nurse of the Year award at the RCNi Awards.

The Student Learning Disability Nurses from Edge Hill University developed, piloted and raised awareness of the Makaton Healthcare Cards nationally after hearing Alice Glennon's story as a Makaton user who is yet to meet a medical professional who can talk her language.

In May, Eve, Alice and Emily won the Student Innovation in Practice in the Student Nursing Times Awards 2019.

In June, The Makaton Charity exhibited at The Autism Show London at ExCeL London. The Autism Show is the national event for autism, in association with the National Autistic Society.

Over two days we spoke to over 300 people who were interested in learning more about Makaton. And our Assistant Director of Membership and Partnerships, Hannah Anderson, delivered a talk called Accessible Makaton that was all about how Makaton works, and how Makaton Friendly is being spread across the country.

We are delighted to be working with Distinctability on introducing Makaton into Canada and look forward to its inevitable impact on inclusivity, both in the workplace and across society.

In June, Makaton Senior Tutors Tracy Clark and Dot Reeves started the first of three training pathways for potential Makaton Tutors and Trainers in Canada. The first stage of training was a resounding success and paves the way for other new groups to start during August and September.

Download the new recipe, for Rainbow Bark, from Great British Bake Off semi-finalist Briony Williams. The resource, which was created by Makaton Tutors Nicola Pike and Erin Jefferies, uses Makaton symbols and also includes a sign bank.

Makaton symbols and line drawings of signs of vocabulary for use when going to the beach... weather permitting!

Make the most of the summer weather with a game of mini beast bingo!

How many different mini beasts can you find? Mark each one off on your bingo card. First one to complete their card is the winner. Happy searching!

When the summer nights start drawing in, prepare for the new term with our free download of Makaton symbols and line drawings of signs for going back to school.