At Jessie May, communication is at the heart of everything we do. Many of the children we support use a range of communication methods – from speech and facial expressions to eye‑gaze, gestures and signs. For some, Makaton is an essential part of how they express themselves and connect with others. That’s why it’s so important that our teams continue building their confidence and skills in using it.
Recently, we were delighted to welcome Ali Pennington, a Makaton trainer, who delivered a dedicated training session for members of our nursing team and our Team Around the Family. These people were chosen because they have the most day‑to‑day contact with children who communicate using Makaton, and strengthening their communication toolkit makes a real difference to the quality of care we can offer.
The session gave staff the chance to learn and practise key signs, explore how Makaton can be adapted for different abilities, and understand how signing can reduce frustration, build trust and create more meaningful interactions. For many of the children we support, even a single sign used at the right moment can help them feel seen, heard and included.
This was a one‑off course that Ali kindly offered us, and it’s already having an impact. Our teams left feeling more confident and more equipped to communicate in ways that truly meet children where they are.
“It was an absolute pleasure to deliver Makaton training for Jessie May. Supporting communication in this way is so important, and it’s clear the team are deeply committed to ensuring every child and family feels understood and supported.
Building confidence in communication tools like Makaton can have a lasting impact, helping teams connect more meaningfully with the children and families they support. Supporting communication in this way helps ensure every child has a voice and feels truly understood.” – Ali Pennington.
At Jessie May, we’re always looking for ways to deepen our understanding and strengthen the support we offer. Makaton is just one of the tools that helps us do that, and we’re incredibly grateful to Ali for sharing her expertise with us.
