Makaton is a language programe that uses signs and symbols to help people communicate. It is designed to support spoken language and the signs and symbols are used with speech in spoken word order.

With Makaton, children and adults can communicate straight away using the signs and symbols. Some will stop using the signs and symbols naturally at their own pace as they develop speech and some will continue to use both.

Makaton is very flexible and can be personised to an individual’s needs and used at a level suitable for them it can be used to:

• Share thoughts, choice and emotions

• Label real objects, pictures, photos and places

• Take part in games and songs

• Listen to, read and tell stories

Makaton is used every day at Fairfield and we have 1 Regional Makaton Tutor and 4 Local Makaton Tutors in school and all are involved in delivering training to students, parents/carers, staff, mealtime supervisors, office staff, management, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, bus drivers and escorts.

Our aim is to raise the profile of Makaton throughout school and we have a “Makaton Sign of the Week” and this is shown to staff and also displayed around school.

Our Makaton Choir in school consists of students from all the departments. We perform in a variety of events both in school and in our local community. 

We have sign and sing sessions throughout school where a range of Makaton signs are taught, these are a firm favorite with the students!