Enhancing Communication:
Makaton & PECS Training Day
This week, our staff team took part in dedicated training focused on Makaton and PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System)—two powerful tools that support communication for children with complex behavioural and developmental needs.
In our residential Ofsted children’s home, effective communication is key to building trust, reducing frustration, and promoting positive behaviour. The training gave our team practical, hands-on experience and renewed confidence in using visual and signing-based communication approaches across daily routines.
The session covered:
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Introduction to Makaton – Understanding how signs and symbols support speech, help children express their needs, and strengthen emotional connections.
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PECS best practice – Exploring how the structured stages of PECS enable children to initiate communication, make choices, and develop independence.
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Using visual communication in real scenarios – Applying both systems during mealtime routines, transitions, activities, and moments of dysregulation.
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Consistency across the team – Ensuring everyone uses shared signs, symbols, and communication prompts so that children receive clear, predictable support.
Staff feedback was incredibly positive, highlighting how these tools will help reduce communication barriers and support more meaningful interactions with the young people in our care.
We’re committed to continually improving our practice, and this training represents another important step in creating a supportive, expressive, and empowering environment for every child we support.
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