About Me

I'm James, I'm a Makaton Tutor, licenced by The Makaton Charity to provide training, workshops and communication work, based in Brighton & Hove.

I've worked with people all my life - as a youth worker, early years teacher and running support services for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people.

I've always loved learning languages - it opens up other people's worlds to you and nothing touches more powerfully than someone making an effort to communicate with you.

I was introduced to Makaton by my friend Edward, an enthusiastic Makaton user, who showed me what a difference signing can make to understanding and being understood. I have had the bug ever since and really want to share it with as many people as I can!

Communication, speaking and listening is hard for lots of people. Working with people who struggle to make themselves understood, and seeing the joy in them when they can, has made me passionate about giving more people those opportunities.

What can I help with ?

I run regular public workshops in Brighton & Hove. I am also available to come into your work setting and facilitate training with your team, a group of families etc ... I am happy to travel all over Sussex and beyond, or a workshop can be delivered online.

Communication work, support and advice

I am available to work on a short or longer term basis with individuals, small groups and their support networks, to give advice and support around their communication needs.

Get in touch to find out more by filling in the form at the bottom of the page or sending me an email.

Core Vocabulary Workshops and Training

The Makaton Charity has developed powerful, interactive workshops that give a grounding in communicating with others while having a lot of fun !

Alongside learning and practising signs and symbols from the Core Vocabulary of about 500 concepts, you will learn all about the Makaton language programme, how it helps people to communicate, and ways to use it in practice.

The Level 1 workshop provides an introduction to communicating with Makaton, it's place in the signing world and basic everyday signs and symbols to get you using it straight away.

Levels 2 - 4 deepen those skills and knowledge and teach further signs and symbols if you want to go further.

Each Level is taught over 6 hours, either as a full day or two half days.

Other Workshops

Other workshops are available including Safeguarding, using Makaton with Singing or within Church Communities and tailored workshops for people working in different areas, giving access to specific vocabulary useful in their particular situations.

I do not currently offer all of these, but can point you in the right direction.

Frequently asked questions

What is Makaton?

Makaton is a language programme that uses hand signs, picture symbols and speech to help people communicate more effectively.

It was developed starting in the 1970s by Speech and Language Specialists and is used by a huge variety of people today.

Who can benefit from Makaton training?

Anyone looking to enhance their communication skills, including people with learning difficulties, their families, professionals and anybody who is part of their lives.

How much does it cost?

There are recommended prices per head for the workshops which offer great value for money for these imaginative and useful courses. Various discounts are available including for people who are on low wages or unwaged. Please get in touch for details.

How can I book on a workshop?

Send me an email or by fill out the contact form below.

Makaton Training with James