Makaton Ambassadors
Oaklands Makaton Ambassadors
At Oaklands Primary, we are proud to champion inclusion, communication, and understanding for all. One of the ways we bring this to life is through our dedicated team of Makaton Ambassadors, a group of Year 5 pupils who play a key role in promoting inclusive communication across our school community.
Makaton is a unique communication programme that uses a combination of signs, symbols, and speech to support understanding and expression. It is particularly valuable for children and adults who may experience communication difficulties, but its benefits extend far beyond this. At Oaklands, we believe that learning Makaton helps to foster empathy, patience, and a deeper awareness of how we can support one another.
Our Makaton Ambassadors are carefully selected and trained to learn a range of key signs and symbols. They take this responsibility seriously and demonstrate a genuine commitment to helping others. Through their work, they support not only pupils within our Additionally Resourced Provision (ARP), but also contribute to a wider culture of inclusion throughout the entire school.
The ambassadors regularly share their knowledge with others. This includes leading short sessions in assemblies, visiting classrooms, and modelling signs during the school day. Whether it’s signing simple greetings, key vocabulary, or supporting communication during learning activities, they help to make Makaton visible, accessible, and part of everyday life at Oaklands.
What makes this initiative particularly special is the impact it has on both the ambassadors themselves and the wider pupil body. The Year 5 pupils develop confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of responsibility. They become role models for younger children, demonstrating how small actions can make a big difference in helping others feel understood and included.
For the wider school community, the presence of Makaton Ambassadors helps to normalise alternative forms of communication. Children begin to recognise that communication is not one-size-fits-all, and that there are many ways to express thoughts, feelings, and needs. This understanding builds a more compassionate and supportive environment, where every child feels valued.
We have already seen the positive difference this initiative is making. Pupils are increasingly using signs in their day-to-day interactions, staff are embedding Makaton into classroom routines, and there is a growing sense of pride in being part of a school that actively promotes inclusion in such a meaningful way.
The Makaton Ambassadors are a shining example of our school values in action, particularly our commitment to respect, responsibility, and resilience. They remind us that inclusion is not just something we talk about; it is something we actively live and breathe every day.
We are incredibly proud of our ambassadors and the difference they are making. As the programme continues to grow, we look forward to seeing even more children across Oaklands engaging with Makaton and embracing the importance of communication for all.
