📘 Course Overview
Supporting Communication in Early Years: An Introduction to Makaton
Communication is at the heart of children’s learning, development, and wellbeing. In Early Years settings, supporting children to understand and express themselves confidently is essential for creating an inclusive, nurturing environment.
Makaton is a widely used communication programme that supports language development through the use of signs, symbols, and speech. When used consistently, it can help children understand routines, express their needs, and reduce frustration.
This course provides practical, real-world guidance to help you understand how Makaton supports communication and how to use it effectively in everyday Early Years practice.
Designed for practitioners working across England and Scotland, this course supports good practice aligned with current guidance and inspection expectations.
🎯 What This Course Covers
Throughout this course, you will explore:
- What Makaton is and how it supports communication
- Why communication support is important in Early Years
- How Makaton supports language development and inclusion
- How to use Makaton in everyday routines
- Using key-word signing alongside speech
- The importance of consistency across staff
- Working in partnership with parents and carers
- Good practice and common mistakes to avoid
📚 Course Content
This course is structured into short, focused lessons:
- Getting Started
- Lesson 1: What is Makaton?
- Lesson 2: Why Makaton Matters in Early Years
- Lesson 3: Using Makaton in Everyday Practice
- Lesson 4: Inclusion, Consistency and Good Practice
- Lesson 5: Additional Resources & Useful Links
- Course Summary and Assessment
🎬 Interactive and Engaging Learning
This course is designed to be interactive, practical, and engaging.
You will take part in:
- 🎬 Short lesson videos
- 🧠 Interactive activities and knowledge checks
- ✏️ Practical application tasks
- 💭 Reflection activities linked to real practice
- 🎯 A final assessment to test your understanding
These activities are designed to help you apply learning directly to your everyday practice.
👩🏫 Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Early Years practitioners
- Nursery staff
- Childminders
- Playworkers
- Teaching assistants
- Students and trainees in Early Years
🎓 CPD and Certification
This course contributes to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Approximate duration: 30 minutes
- Includes interactive activities and a final assessment
- Certificate provided upon successful completion
This training can be used as evidence for:
- CPD portfolios
- Staff training records
- Inspections (Ofsted / Care Inspectorate)
🌟 Why This Course Matters
Supporting communication is essential for children’s development, wellbeing, and inclusion. When children are able to understand and express themselves, they are more confident, engaged, and able to build positive relationships.
Using Makaton consistently can help reduce frustration, support behaviour, and create an environment where all children feel included and understood.
This course focuses on practical, child-centred approaches, helping you build confidence and embed effective communication strategies into your everyday practice.
⚠️ Important Note
This course provides an introduction to Makaton and supports awareness in Early Years practice. It does not replace accredited training provided by The Makaton Charity.
🚀 Get Started
When you’re ready, begin with:
👉 Lesson 1: What is Makaton?