Makaton at Our Nurseries
At all of our nursery settings, Makaton is part of everyday life. We use simple signs alongside spoken words to support communication, build confidence, and help every child feel understood, whatever stage of development they are at.
Makaton is not just for children who find communication difficult. It benefits all children by supporting language development, emotional expression, and understanding.
What is Makaton?
Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech together to help people communicate.
In nursery, we use signs alongside spoken words, not instead of them, helping children connect meaning, sound, and action.
It is widely used in early years settings, schools, and healthcare environments across the UK.
We always say the word while showing the sign. Signing supports speech — it does not replace it.
Why we use Makaton in nursery
Children develop communication skills at different speeds. Makaton helps bridge gaps while language is still emerging.
Early communication
Supports early communication before speech develops.
Less frustration
Reduces frustration when children struggle to express needs or feelings.
Confidence and independence
Encourages confidence and independence through being understood.
Inclusive support
Supports children with additional needs and different communication styles.
Routines and emotions
Strengthens understanding of routines, emotions, and everyday instructions.
Supports speech
Reinforces spoken language rather than replacing it.
Signs + speechFor many children, signing comes more naturally before speaking. Giving them tools early helps them feel heard.
How Makaton Supports All Children
Makaton benefits babies, toddlers and confident speakers alike. It gives children an extra way to understand and express themselves while spoken language is still developing.
- Babies and toddlers who are not yet talking
- Children learning to form words and sentences
- Children learning English as an additional language
- Children with speech, language, or communication needs
- Confident speakers who benefit from visual learning
Because signs are visual and physical, they help children process and remember words more easily.
Makaton videos for families
We share short Makaton videos on ParentZone so families can practise the same signs at home and support communication in simple, everyday moments.
Our Weekly Makaton Approach
Focused learning in nursery
Each nursery setting chooses one Makaton sign per week.
- Linked to the book of the week or current theme
- Introduced by staff during group times, play, and routines
- Reinforced naturally throughout the week
This approach keeps learning focused, meaningful, and age-appropriate.
Supporting learning at home
Each week, a short video of a keyworker demonstrating the sign is shared on ParentZone.
- Learn the sign easily
- Use the same sign at home
- Reinforce learning through everyday moments
Consistency between nursery and home helps children build confidence and understanding more quickly.
How we use Makaton every single day
Makaton is part of real nursery life. Not a lesson. Not a worksheet. It shows up in songs, snack time, tidy-up time and play.
Story time and singing
Children see and hear key words while enjoying books and songs.
Mealtimes and routines
Signs like drink and more build independence and confidence.
Transitions and tidy-up
Visual cues help children move between activities calmly.
Emotional support
Signing supports children when big feelings arrive.
Play-based learning
Language grows naturally during play and shared experiences.
Explore common signs to use at home
Search a word, or tap a category to find a sign to practise this week.
Where would you like to go next?
Explore our nursery locations or discover the values that guide everything we do.
View our nursery locations
Find your nearest setting and arrange a visit that works for your family.
View locations →Understand our story and values
Learn about our child-led approach and the principles that shape our care.
Explore our ethos →