At Home-Start Kernow, we want every family to feel welcome, included and able to take part. That’s why we introduced Makaton across our groups, using simple signs alongside spoken words to support communication, connection and early development.
Makaton combines signs, symbols and speech. We’re focusing on simple, everyday signs that support our group activities, like singing, stories, snack time and saying hello and goodbye.
Helping children communicate
Children develop their communication skills at different rates, and some can find it difficult to express what they want or need.
Using a sign alongside a spoken word gives children another way to communicate. Signs such as more, finished, help or drink can help children make themselves understood, even before they have the words to say it.
Makaton signs can also help reduce frustration and give children more confidence to join in.
Supporting connection
Communication is about more than words. Using simple signs encourages children and parents to look, listen and respond to each other, creating more opportunities for interaction and play.
And because Makaton is used alongside speech, families can easily use the signs at home too.
Making our groups more inclusive
Makaton is one of the ways we’re making our groups welcoming and accessible to all children and families. It gives children different ways to communicate and participate, while giving parents a simple, practical tool they can use every day.
As Julia, one of our Makaton Champions, explains:
“As we were told in our Makaton awareness training, ‘What is essential for one, is beneficial for all.’
“Using Makaton in our groups supports parents with limited English, a learning difficulty or low confidence, as well as empowering children to communicate with their families and other group members.
“Being able to sign ‘drink’, rather than taking another child’s cup, can relieve all sorts of tensions. And being understood by a whole room of people gives that child the confidence to try new words and signs to express themselves.”
Building Makaton into our whole team
We have two Makaton Champions, Julia and Svenya, who are helping staff learn and use signs consistently across our groups.
Makaton is now also a regular part of our weekly team meetings, where everyone can learn a new sign, practise together and share ideas about using it with families.
This means Makaton is becoming part of our everyday practice, not just something we use at group sessions.
Makaton is a natural fit with the work we do at Home-Start Kernow. By supporting communication and interaction, it can help us to:
- support children’s development and wellbeing
- strengthen parent-child relationships
- build family confidence and resilience
- help families feel more comfortable and included in our groups
- create welcoming spaces where every child can take part.
You don’t need to be an expert to use Makaton. A few simple signs can become part of everyday family life.
For us, it’s about giving families more ways to connect and communicate, while helping every child feel they can join in.
Want to learn more?
To find out more about Makaton and access free resources, visit the Makaton website: makaton.org
