1c. Regional tutor training

Duration

Part 1: Five-day residential course
Part 2: Assessment

Role of the Makaton Regional Tutor

To cope with the enormous interest in the Makaton programme since 1978, a network of Makaton tutors (currently over 750 Tutors in the UK) has been established. Several Makaton Centres abroad also have a similar network of tutors.

A Makaton regional tutor is typically a professional with considerable experience of using Makaton for all ages. Makaton regional tutors can provide all the standardised workshops detailed on this website.

Regional tutors are also required to support The Makaton Charity on national training courses, and to provide advice and support to professional users, carers, service users and managers. Regional tutors also support Makaton local tutors in their area.

All Makaton tutors are required to liaise with The Makaton Charity regularly regarding current issues, training needs and workshops in their area, and to keep up-to-date with research, education trends and policy changes affecting Makaton use.

Entry criteria

Potential Tutors must first complete the Makaton Foundation Workshop and Enhancement Workshop training and have had at least nine to twelve months significant practical experience in using Makaton in the workplace.

Part 1

Part 1 comprises a specific five-day training course provided by The Makaton Charity. This training covers in depth the design of the Makaton Vocabulary Language Programme, the Makaton vocabulary, its implementation over the full range of disability, instructions related to the provision of Makaton workshops and training, and techniques for advanced signing and symbol use. Participants are assessed on their level of competence throughout the course and on their delivery of the first two modules of the Foundation workshop.

Part 2

Participants assume greater responsibility and must deliver one of the lectures of the Foundation workshop in addition to giving signing instruction for modules 3 and 4 to a satisfactory standard.

Makaton Regional Tutor's Certificate

Once qualified, a certificate is issued with a Licence to Practice. A licensed regional tutor is seen as The Makaton Charity's contact in the area providing information and advice on training and the Makaton programme.

The Licence

Licences are issued annually. Renewal is based on the tutor maintaining their skills and attending annual study days.

The Makaton Charity reserves the right to decline any prospective Makaton regional tutor who may be found to be unsuitable for this role or who does not achieve the necessary criteria to qualify as a Makaton regional tutor.

An information pack and application form is available from The Makaton Charity.

Further information

Courses and workshops in your area
Find out when the next Regional tutor training is available in your area.