At MTO Nursery, we know how important communication is in the early years. It’s the foundation for building relationships, expressing needs, and developing confidence. That’s why we’re proud to embed Makaton into our daily practice, a language programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech to help children communicate in a way that feels natural and accessible.
Why Makaton Matters for Young Children
Every child develops at their own pace, and some need a little extra support as they learn to express
themselves. Makaton offers a gentle, inclusive way to bridge that gap. It helps children by:
- Reducing frustration when they can’t yet find the right words
- Boosting confidence as they discover new ways to communicate
- Supporting speech and language development
- Encouraging inclusion, ensuring every child has a voice
- Strengthening understanding, especially during routines, transitions, and group activities
Parents often tell us how reassuring it is to see their child communicating more clearly and how Makaton helps them feel understood both at nursery and at home.
Our Recent Staff Makaton Training to ensure we’re offering the very best support, our team recently completed dedicated Makaton training.
heard.
This hands-on session gave staff:
- A wider vocabulary of signs and symbols
- Practical strategies for using Makaton throughout the day
- Tools to support children with different communication needs
- Confidence to model signs consistently across the nursery
You’ll now see Makaton woven into everyday moments at MTO, from morning greetings and snack choices to songs, stories, and play. It’s becoming a natural part of how we communicate with the children.
What This Means for Your Child By using Makaton, we’re helping children feel secure, understood, and empowered. Whether your child is already chatty or still finding their voice, Makaton offers an extra layer of support that strengthens their communication skills and builds confidence.
At MTO Nursery, every child’s voice matters and Makaton helps us make sure it’s