MAKATON LEVEL 1 TRAINING - Tuesday 5th May at the Down syndrome Cheshire Hub

Level 1 training provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. 
Sessions include discussing commonly asked questions, hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use and how to start using Makaton in everyday situations at home or work.
You will also learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2, and some of the Additional stage of the Core Vocabulary.

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

Growing up and staying safe

Date: Wednesday 6^th May 9.30am -11am

Where: Online

This online session explores the resources available support friendships, dealing with our emotions, privacy, public and private spaces. We will also look at how to stay healthy, support around puberty, wellbeing and self-esteem. This session will be useful for parents and educators.

General cost: £20

Parent/carers of DSC members – £10

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

MAKATON LEVEL 2 TRAINING - TUES 19th MAY at the DSC Hub

Makaton level 2 training builds on the knowledge gained in level 1and focuses on learning the signs and symbols from Stages 3 & 4, as well as the additional stage of the core vocabulary.

The course includes understanding the theory behind Makaton and developing signing skills.

Delegates MUST have completed level 1 Makaton before attending this course.

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

Course Name: Makaton For Early Years.

Delivered by: Down Syndrome Cheshire

Date: Monday 22^nd June 2026

Time: 9am to 1pm

Venue address: Youth Hub (Formally Orford Youth Base), Capesthorne Rd, Warrington , WA2 0JF

This interactive workshop is designed for early years professionals who want to create calm, engaging and inclusive environments where all children can thrive. Makaton helps children connect, express themselves, and feel understood, even before they can speak.

Why this workshop matters

• Support early communication and language development
• Reduce frustration and help children express their needs
• Strengthen bonds between children, parents and practitioners
• Create an inclusive setting that supports every child’s communication

What will you learn?

This workshop gives you the confidence and tools to:

• Use Makaton signs and symbols alongside speech during daily routines and activities
• Support children's understanding and ability to make choices
• Embed signing into songs, stories, and play
• Involve parents, carers and other professionals in consistent communication support
• Create inclusive environments where all children can participate and belong

Workshop content

The session covers:

• How Makaton supports early communication and language development
• The communication journey and the importance of visual support
• Key signs and symbols for daily routines and play
• Practical strategies for embedding signing into everyday interactions
• Signing through stories, songs and group activities
• Real-life examples and practical exercises with support from your Tutor/Trainer
• Includes official Makaton resources and certificate of attendance

Who is this for?

This workshop is ideal for anyone working with young children, including:

• Nursery and pre-school staff
• Early years teachers and SENCOs
• Childminders and family support workers
• Speech and language professionals
• Children’s centre staff and outreach teams

No previous experience with Makaton is needed.

Places are limited if the course is full please contact schools@dscheshire.org.uk and we will create a waiting list. We can also arrange training at your setting for groups of 8-12 people. enquire for more details.

The learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: 24^th June 9am – 3.30pm

Where DSC hub

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of students with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

Techniques to improve the learning outcomes will be examined with practical examples demonstrated.  A range of areas will be covered including reading, numeracy skills, behaviour and how we can reduce task demands.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential

Cost £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

FOR EARLY YEARS/KS1  Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 6^th July  9.30am -11.30

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of our younger members with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile..

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

KS1/KS2 and beyond Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 6^th July 1pm -3pm

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of students in KS1/2 and beyond with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile.

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

KS1/KS2 and beyond The Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 13^th July  9.30am -11.30

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of students in KS1/2 and beyond with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile.

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

ONLINE COURSE - FOR EARLY YEARS/KS1 Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 13^th July  1pm -3pm

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of our younger members with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile.

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.