Training for parents, early years and school staff

Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people to communicate. It consists of 2 levels of training:

Makaton Level 1

It provides a practical introduction to the Makaton language programme.

It’s for parents, family members, carers and workers who need to use Makaton at home or work. Sessions include:

• hints and tips for effective signing/symbol use
• how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work
• using and applying Makaton to develop the communication skills of others
• signs and symbols from stages 1 and 2 of the core vocabulary plus some of the additional stage.

There are 2 modules. You must attend both modules.

Dates:

No dates currently available.

Costs:

£30 for parents, £70 for professionals (includes manuals and technical support if required)

Makaton Level 2

Level 2 builds on the knowledge you gained at level 1. You’ll also learn signs and symbols from stages 3 and 4 of the core vocabulary plus the rest of the additional stage.

You must attend the level 1 training before you can join level 2.

You must also attend both modules.

Dates:

No dates currently available.

Costs:

As per level 1 (see above). Or, book levels 1 and 2 together and get a discount (£55 for parents, £125 for professionals)

Makaton Level 3

No dates available.

Makaton Level 4

You’ll build on the knowledge you gained from levels 1 to 3. You’ll also refresh your knowledge of the signs and symbols from levels 1, 2 and 3 and learn the signs
and symbols for stages 7 and 8 of the core vocabulary.

Dates:

No dates currently available.

Costs:

As per level 2 (see above) with the discount option available if you book levels 3 and 4 together.

What you’ll need for Makaton training courses

A computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone with a working camera and microphone and a stable internet connection.

How to book

Call Children and Young People on 01296 566045 or email buc-tr.cyptherapytraining@nhs.net

We run a series of training sessions in conjunction with Buckinghamshire Council for practitioners in the Early Years and Childcare sector.

You can book these training sessions on the CPD training and network groups calender on Buckinghamshire Council’s website.

Topics include:

• Developmental Language Disorder: The most common childhood condition you have never heard of
• Identifying Speech and Language, and Occupational Therapy Needs and Developing Targets
• Speech and Language Specialisms: Supporting children with speech sound disorders, stammering and selective mutism.

Following a successful pilot last year, we now offer early language group training to nurseries and pre-school settings across Buckinghamshire.

The course covers the set-up and delivery of a group intervention to support early language development in children aged 2 and a half onwards who have delayed speaking and understanding.

The groups target early language development through structured activities as well as sharing books and songs. The activities focus on:

• understanding of language (following 1 or 2 key word instructions)
• using language (from single words to combining two words together).

We deliver the training over MS Teams in 4 x 1 hour weekly sessions across a half-term. One staff member will need to:

• attend all 4 sessions
• practice delivering the group in the setting between sessions
• lead on delivering the groups within the setting going forward.

What the training covers

This includes:

• how to set up and run early language groups within your setting
• step-by-step look at session plans, including the activities and resources
• the opportunity to practice running the group and share feedback with the trainer and staff from other settings
• how to use a visual timetable within the group structure
• some basic Makaton signs along with the vocabulary targeted within each session.

Dates and how to book

To sign up to this training email buc-tr.cyptherapytraining@nhs.net with the subject title ‘Early Language Group Training.’

This training is for school staff working with children with language and communication needs. Each webinar will explore the ‘why’ behind what we do and give you something practical to take away in the form of target setting.

Follow the MS team link below for your chosen date to join the live training session.

To get the most out of the training, you should be either managing the setting up of or running group interventions for social communication skills.

Session dates and times by topic

We deliver these sessions online through MS Teams and help staff to support children with speech, language and communication needs.

Find out more including how to request a session within your setting.