What is Makaton?

Makaton is a non – verbal language programme that uses visual symbols and hand signs to support communication and aid speech. Makaton stimulates sounds and words. It is to be used alongside words in spoken word order.

The ability to communicate is one of the most important skills we need in life. Supporting our pupils to communicate helps them within their independence, learning, relationships, wants and needs and builds their self – esteem.

Makaton is beneficial to all children as it helps the development of listening and attention, social skills, fine motor, reading, spelling, friendships and confidence. Makaton is also very enjoyable and extremely inclusive! Some children begin singing when they are babies!

We as a school are supporting one another to use Makaton more frequently and be more confident with its use. We would like you as parents to join us. If you feel like Makaton is appropriate for your child you may want to begin by learning some vocabulary that is appropriate to your child and their environment. We have included a range of core vocabulary for you to try if you so wish.

Make sure you use eye-contact, facial expression and body language to convey the meaning of your communication. Select the word that conveys meaning. You may want to begin by doing hand over hand initially to support your child with the relevant gesture or sign.

Each week you will find the 'Makaton Sign of the Week' uploaded to the Acorns website. You can also see Makaton being used in Cbeebies programme 'Something Special' with Mr Tumble. There is also the Signing Hands UK YouTube channel which posts lots of Makaton related content. Finally you can find great supporting material on the official Makaton website. Links to access all of the above can be find below!

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/b006m8q4/something-special

https://www.youtube.com/user/SingingHandsUK

https://www.makaton.org/

Happy signing!

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Informal Consultation

Over the last year the School and Governing Body have been in discussion with Lancashire Education Authority regarding the possibility of expanding the number of places at Acorns Primary School. An informal consultation into this possibility is being launched.  The proposal is to increase the schools pupil numbers by 20 and to increase parking facilities on site to ease congestion.


 There is currently an informal consultation ongoing from 4 November 2024 to 22 November 2024. A decision will then be made as to whether it goes to formal consultation.  If it does, we will update you with the date of a meeting in school where a representative from Lancashire County Council will attend to provide further information and answer any questions you may have.


The document can be found under the Key information and in Informal Consultation.


Please click on the link here to have your say : https://forms.office.com/e/8YgGx1Vkcv


We are holding a public meeting at Acorns Primary School on 21st November at 11:00 am. A representative from LCC, the school’s headteacher, and the chair of governors will be available to answer any questions. Everyone is welcome to attend.