Training

 
Makaton is a language programme that gives everyone a helping hand to talk. Makaton uses signs and symbols along with speech to help people communicate. Signs are used with speech in spoken word order.

 

For further information please visit the Makaton Charity.

 

 

Makaton training

We offer the following Makaton training for parents and practitioners:

• Introductory workshop suitable for schools, nurseries, colleges and adult settings

  This is a three-hour course suitable for both parents and practitioners. This includes an introduction to Makaton, finger spelling and learning 30-40 signs. The course can be tailor-made for an individual setting.
  Email Helene Elia (Makaton tutor) or get in touch by phone on 07966 762943.

   

• Level 1:
  One-day training for professionals and parents. This course covers information about Makaton, how to use it, strategies, and approximately 150 signs and symbols. (Stages 1-2 of Makaton core vocabulary and Additional Vocabulary)
   

• Level 2:
  One-day training for professional and parents who have completed level 1 training. On this course you will learn approximately 130 further signs and symbols and gain further practice at using signs and symbols. (Stages 3-4 of Makaton core vocabulary and Additional Vocabulary).

 

 

Makaton training dates

(dates in 2024 unless stated)

Workshops to be held at Springfields Centre, Raddlebarn Road, Selly Oak, B29 6JB (9.00 am - 4.30 pm)

Level 1

• 17 September 2024
• 12 November 2024
• 4 February 2025
• 29 April 2025
• 10 September 2025

 

Level 2

• 24 September 2024
• 19 November 2024
• 11 February 2025
• 6 May 2025
• 17 September 2025

 

Level 3

• 22 January 2025
• 22 October 2025

 

Level 4

• 26 November 2024
• 10 June 2025

 

Further Information

• Helene Elia: 07966 762943
• Gareth: 0121 466 6266 
• Email Gareth Humpage. 

 

 

Elklan training 5-11s

This is an accredited course suitable for teachers or teaching assistants which will typically run over 10 sessions.

 

It provides information, strategies, and ideas to develop communication skills of all children but especially those with identified speech, language, and communication needs. 

 

Elklan 5-11 flyer

 

 

Communication Friendly Schools Birmingham (CFSB)

A primary school programme run jointly with Access to Education (A2E) to develop children’s communication skills by improving staff understanding of speech, language and communication (SLC) development, and how to support children’s SLC skills across the curriculum from reception to KS2.

 

Staff will develop action plans to implement strategies and approaches at class, key stage and whole school level which will support to high quality teaching and pupil progress.

• Target staff group: Whole school staff training including senior leadership team.
• Course format 1x whole school training day.

 

Plus 2 x ½-day consultation sessions in school by Access to Education (A2E)

• 97 per cent of people who attended the CFSB training course rated it as overall good or excellent.
• 92 per cent of people (teachers, teaching assistance, head teachers, SENCO, deputies) who have received our CFSB training would recommend it to other people/ schools.
• 77 per cent of people who attended our CFSB training felt it had an impact on their practice.

 

 

Strategies to Support Pupils’ Speech, Language and Communication

An introduction to speech, language and communication needs as they present at Secondary.

 

Participants will identify key strategies to enhance their practice.

 

• Target staff group: secondary teachers and TAs
• Course format: 1 x 3½ hour session (can be adapted to suit school’s needs)

 

 

Languageland

 (published by Blacksheep Press) provides a complete programme of language activities, session plans, and colour resources which can be used in general group work, circle time or in timetabled standalone sessions. The training session will enable staff to use the resources to run language groups which support the development of children’s skills in the areas of general interaction/ social skills, good listening, sound awareness, vocabulary, comprehension and narrative.

 

• Target staff group: Nursery, Reception (EYFS) and KS1 teachers and TAs
• Course format: 1 x 3½ hour session

 

Customer Feedback on SLT Training

What attendees said about Communication Friendly Schools Birmingham (CFSB)

"Very engaging and full of discussion.”

'Informative, interactive, lots of very useful resources and ideas.'

 

What I learnt

“Strategies to support children with SLCN, ways to identify children with SLCN, development points for the classroom to improve the environment.”

“The difference between speech and language, the wide range of strategies to support, how speech and language can be affected by a wide range of factors.”

 

How I will use what I learnt

“To support children in various lessons and look at how I can change my communications when pupils are struggling.”

“Develop visual aids around class – including for smaller groups as well as central displays.”

“Try to slow down when working with children and give them more time to articulate.”

 

What attendees said about Makaton

"I found it very useful to learn everyday signs that I can use in daily work at the nursery with children who are not yet talking. Really enjoyed the course."

‘It will help with inclusion for all children and staff in the nursery and show positivity for the parents.’

"Learnt so much in such a short space of time – and it was f un."

 

What attendees said about Elklan training

“This was the best, most relevant course I have ever completed as a TA.  Really practical and useful strategies to support children in all aspects of speech and language.”

“I found it a very positive experience.  I feel I have really gained a lot and it will vastly improve how I work in my setting.  Thank you.”

“I thought it was absolutely brilliant.  Lots of really useful ideas that I have already started putting into practice.”