Makaton - Beginners workshop for parents

Service details

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a language programme which uses gestures and actions alongside speech and symbols or pictures. For many children, Makaton can help support the development of their ability to understand and to express themselves.

Many people know Makaton from Mr Tumble on CBeebies – ‘Something Special’.


Why use Makaton?

We all hope that our children will be able to talk to us, but for some children with communication needs this can be more difficult Makaton can help.

For many children, Makaton can help support the development of their ability to understand and express themselves.

Using Makaton to communicate with your child can reduce frustration and help you to understand your child's needs.


Who is the course for?

The course is for parents and carers of children or young people living in Hackney who will benefit from using Makaton to develop their communication. Your child may have additional needs or a communication difficulty and be known to Speech and Language Therapy, services at the Hackney Ark or Hackney Education's SEND services.

Parent-carers Makaton training courses are run 3 times a year, for parents who have a child known to the Speech and Language Therapy service who would benefit.

Each Beginners course will cover the updated Makaton Level 1 and Level 2 training.

The courses are accredited by the Makaton Charity and parents who complete the course will receive course books and a certificate.


What will happen on the course?

The Beginner course provides a practical introduction, with tips and discussions to help parents start using Makaton in everyday situations at home.

On this course, you will learn over 200 signs and symbols and ways in which you can use these at home to help your child. You will also get the chance to meet and share ideas and experiences with other parents.

The course is run by qualified Makaton trainers who are also Speech and Language Therapists and experts in communication.


How long is the course?

The course consists of 4 sessions of 3 hours each.

You need to be able to attend all 4 sessions.

This accredited Parent Workshop covers Makaton Levels 1 and 2.

You will receive manuals and a certificate from Makaton Charity. 


Where can you learn Makaton? 

Beginners Workshops are run in the Autumn term and the Spring term.

Sessions take place at Linden Children’s Centre, 86-92 Rectory Road, N16 7SH


What are the dates of the next courses?

November 2023

Dates of course: Wednesdays 1, 8, 15, 29 November 2023
Time: 9.30 am-12.30 pm
Venue: Linden Children’s Centre, 86-92 Rectory Road, N16 7SH

Parent-carer self-referral information flyer November 2024 PDF 274 KB (printable resource)


March 2024

Dates of course: Wednesdays 6, 13, 20, 27 March 2024
Time: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Venue: Online

Parent-carer self-referral information flyer March 2024 PDF 274 KB (printable resource)

June 2024

Dates of course: Fridays 7, 14, 21, 28 June 2024
Time: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm
Venue: Linden Children’s Centre, 86-92 Rectory Road, N16 7SH

Parent-carer self-referral information flyer June 2024 PDF 273 KB (printable resource)


Booking to attend - What do I need to do next?

You will need to contact the Speech and Language Therapy Admin team to tell them you would like to come on this course.

You may need to leave a message, but leave your name and number and someone will return your call. 

Please call them on 020 7683 4262

OR

email huh-tr.sltinfo@nhs.net to book your place.

Please book your place as soon as possible, as places are limited.

If you have any further questions or have additional requirements please call us on

020 7683 4262 or discuss them with your link Speech and Language Therapist.

Notes

What if English is not your first language?

Unfortunately, the course is not suitable for parents who would need an advocate or translator to access it.

The service can still provide support and advice and these parents are encouraged to get in touch with the Speech and Language Therapy service to discuss and arrange support to introduce more Makaton to their family.

SEND Local Offer

Local Offer Age Bands
Early Years and Pregnancy 0-4
Primary 4 -10
Parents and Carers
SEN Provision Type
  • Targeted

Who to contact

Telephone
020 7683 4262 020 7683 4262
E-mail
huh-tr.sltinfo@nhs.net

Where to go

Address
Linden Children's Centre
86 - 92 Rectory Road
Hackney
Postcode

N16 7SH

View N16 7SH on a map
Venue Notes

Buses: 67, 76, 149, 276, 243

Train: Rectory Road

Parking: Limited disabled parking 

Time / Date Details

Time of day
  • Morning

Other details

Who is eligible?

The Makaton parent workshops are for: 

  • Parents-carers of children already known to the Speech and Language Therapy Service or who have identified needs showing they would benefit from using Makaton e.g. Downs Syndrome.
  • Family wishing to attend should be familiar with the idea of Makaton and have been introduced to at least a few signs already at home.
  • Children who have communication needs that are not temporary and who will need Speech and Language Therapy intervention over time or who have longer term needs.
Referral required?

Yes

Referral Details

Please book your place as soon as possible, as places are limited.

Please call: 020 7683 4262

or e-mail: huh-tr.sltinfo@nhs.net 

If you have any further questions, or have additional requirements please call us on 020 7683 4262 or discuss with your link Speech and Language Therapist.

Note: Other family members or people spending significant amounts of time with a child who has communication needs may also be able to attend this course e.g. Grandparents or Childminders. Contact the Speech and Language Therapy Admin team to tell them you would like to come on this course. 

What to do if you have a complaint

Complaints can be made to a clinician or manager in the service.

Alternatively you can contact Homerton's Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS).

Contact the PALS service

Phone on 020 8510 7315

Voicemail service available out of office hours

Textphone: 07584 445 400 

When leaving a message please provide your hospital or NHS numbers if you have them. These can be found on letters from the NHS service who worked with you. 

Email huh-tr.pals.service@nhs.net

Or write to us at:

PALS
Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Homerton Row 
London E9 6SR

Costs

  • Free

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Disclaimer

Read our disclaimer - important information about Hackney SEND Local Offer and FIS

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