Licensed Makaton Training for Families, Professionals and Organisations
We provide licensed Makaton training for nurseries, schools, colleges, healthcare teams, care providers, charities, community organisations and families. Based in Thornbury, we deliver face-to-face workshops across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas, as well as online training throughout the UK.
Why Train with Us?
Better Communication Together CIC is a not-for-profit community interest company.
Every booking helps widen access to licensed Makaton training by supporting subsidised places for people who might otherwise be unable to attend. By booking a spot on a workshop or organising whole-team training, you're not only building your own Makaton skills - you're also supporting a social enterprise that champions inclusive communication and helps Makaton users feel seen, heard, and understood in everyday life. Thank you for helping us make communication accessible for all.
When you train with us you'll benefit from:
- Friendly and flexible – our sessions are welcoming and tailored to your needs.
- Affordable – reasonably priced so learning is accessible to everyone.
- Practical – real-life strategies you can use straight away.
Why You Can Trust Our Training:
- 40 years using Makaton in schools, care settings and community groups.
- Parent of a Makaton user, giving lived experience alongside professional expertise.
- Tutor Training Facilitator for The Makaton Charity.
- Advisor on the use of Makaton for children's television.
- Author of two Makaton picture books.
Choose the workshop that's right for you
- Taster Workshops - a fun and relaxed introduction to the Makaton Communication Programme.
- Makaton Levels 1–4
- Level 1 – An introduction to Makaton, perfect for families, carers, and beginners. Learn everyday signs and symbols to support communication.
- Level 2 – Builds on Level 1, introducing more vocabulary and practical strategies for home, school, or care settings.
- Level 3 – Develops your signing and symbol use further, with a focus on conversations, stories, and supporting wider communication needs.
- Level 4 – The final step in the Core Training pathway. Gain confidence in using Makaton across a wide range of contexts and prepare for advanced or specialist modules.
Specialist Workshops
- Using Makaton with Singing – Bring early years songs and signing together for fun, memorable communication.
- Makaton for... General Wellbeing – Explore how Makaton supports emotional expression, mindfulness, and positive mental health.
- Makaton for... Learning Disability Teams – Tailored strategies to support communication in professional care teams.
- Makaton for... Nurses – Practical signs and symbols to support healthcare interactions in the community.
- Makaton for... Early Years Teams – Playful, age-appropriate signs and activities for nursery and preschool settings.
- Makaton for... Dentists – Reduce anxiety and improve understanding during dental visits with simple communication support.
- Makaton Signing for Babies and Families – A gentle, fun introduction for parents and carers to start signing with little ones.
- Know and Grow: Makaton in Christian Worship – Using Makaton to make worship services inclusive and engaging
- Safeguarding Approaches with Makaton -A specialist workshop exploring how Makaton can be used to support safeguarding. Learn how signs and symbols can empower individuals to express themselves, understand boundaries, and stay safe.
- Watch My Needs - Supports adults who are beginning to experience difficulties with understanding and recall, after having good understanding, recall and use of language.
Flexible Learning
Whether you're booking as an individual or arranging training for your team, we offer flexible learning options.
- Face-to-face workshops across Bristol, South Gloucestershire and the surrounding areas.
- Online workshops available throughout the UK.
- In-house training for organisations.
Ready to Book?
Whether you're looking to book a public workshop or arrange training for your team, we'd love to help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements or browse our upcoming workshops. Contact us
Subsidised Places Available
We believe communication is for everyone.Thanks to the support of our community and partner organisations, we’re able to offer a limited number of subsidised places on some public Level 1 workshops for:
People on low income
Unpaid carers
Volunteers or those facing barriers to training
If cost is a concern, please get in touch in confidence - we're happy to help where we can. Discounts between levels are also available.
Take a look around to see what Makaton training is on offe we’r or contact me to discuss your needs. Bespoke in-house training for organisations is available on request
