Discovering Communication
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR TRAINING SESSIONS?
All training sessions are currently virtual via Zoom. You will be e-mailed the Zoom link before you training along with all other helpful information.
HOW DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR TRAININGÂ SERVICES?
All prices have been set and advised by the The Makaton Charity. All pricing has been most recently revised by The Makaton Charity on 1st April 2021.
IS MAKATON DIFFICULT TO LEARN?
Makaton training has been developed to progress through Stages 1-4. Using this method you can build up your skills to the desired level you require.
The training manuals that you be provided with have pictures of each of the signs that are taught, so you can return to them as a reminder whenever you need to.
There are many resources available on The Makaton Charity website (‘Shop’) which you can also use to support you Makaton Journey.
WILL MAKATON STOP MY CHILD USING THEIR VOICE TO TALK?
Makaton will not stop a child from talking, as long as speech is always used alongside the signs. Research shows that using Makaton actually helps to stimulate vocalisation and words, and helps language to become visual. Many children are visual learners and so Makaton makes it easier for them to understand a word or concept. Makaton is often used as a temporary alternative when talking is difficult, and children usually drop the use of signs when they can use spoken words to communicate.
DO WE STILL USE MAKATON EVEN IF MY CHILD STARTS TO SPEAK?
Yes – research shows that using signing alongside speech supports the development of speech and interactive skills, and can also help with the intelligibility of unclear speech. Makaton helps to support understanding language, and learning new vocabulary. It can support the development of building words into phrases and can be used alongside other interventions.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC TRAININGÂ QUALIFICATION?
Yes. All qualified Makaton Tutors go through robust training with the Makaton Charity. They need to have completed all stages of Makaton Training. In addition to this they need to pass a specific Tutor Training course, complete many practical and theory assessments and also pass an observational assessment of course delivery. They need to be up-to-date in their practice and registered as current Tutor with the Charity. All practising Tutors have to undergo a DBS check and register with the ICO.