At Boogie Beat Edinburgh, Mid & East Lothian, inclusion isn’t something we add in, it’s something we live and breathe. Every child who walks into one of our sessions deserves to feel welcome, understood, and truly part of the fun. One of the most important ways we support this is through our team’s commitment to Makaton.
And as our team grows and changes, keeping that commitment strong is something I care deeply about.
A Real-Life Example: Welcoming Anna to the Team
In December, we welcomed Anna to the Boogie Beat team. As with every new team member, my first priorities were making sure all the safeguarding, PVG, and training around the Boogie Beat ethos were in place.
But right up there at the top of my list was this: getting Anna onto her Makaton training.
Back in 2025, we were incredibly lucky to secure funding through our local Business Gateway, which allowed me to upskill the whole team in Makaton. Every single team member completed at least Level 1 training. Katie and I went on to complete Level 2, and in November 2025 I completed Level 3.
Since then, Karen and Zoe have moved on from the team — but I’m really proud that both of them have gone into roles where they can continue to use their Makaton training. That’s exactly the kind of ripple effect I love to see.
So as we moved into 2026 and welcomed Anna, it was really important to me that we kept that standard.
I’m delighted to say that Anna started her Level 1 Makaton training in early January and is currently part-way through. Once she completes her second session, our entire current team will once again all be fully trained to at least Level 1.
Keeping that continuity matters — because it means our values don’t change just because our team evolves.
What Is Makaton?
Makaton is a communication system that uses signs, symbols, and spoken words together. It helps children to understand what’s happening, express their ideas, and join in at a level that feels right for them.
It is widely used in early years settings, schools, and family environments, and it’s a wonderful tool for supporting:
- Speech and language development
- Understanding and attention
- Confidence and participation
- Inclusion and accessibility
How We Use Makaton in Boogie Beat Sessions
Because all of our class leaders are trained, we can weave Makaton naturally into everything we do:
- We use visual symbols to show the structure of each session
- We sign key phrases like “good sitting”, “good listening”, “let’s stand up”, “singing”, and “dancing”
- We introduce new signs linked to our themes and stories, such as “animals”, “snowman”, “gingerbread man”, “Christmas”, “seaside”, and more
- We model signs consistently so children become confident using them in everyday life
The more children see Makaton, the more familiar and comfortable it becomes — and for many children, this extra layer of communication is what helps them feel secure enough to join in.
Supporting Motor Skills Through Signing
Makaton isn’t only about language. Using the hands and fingers to create signs also supports fine motor development — which is a key foundation for:
- Early writing
- Pencil control
- Dressing skills
- Coordination and independence
This fits beautifully alongside our wider physical development work through action songs, movement games, props, and whole-body activities.
Everything we do is designed to build the foundations of learning — while keeping it joyful, playful, and pressure-free.
The Right to Be Heard (UNCRC Article 12)
Children have the right to express their views and to be listened to.
Makaton gives more children more ways to communicate — through voice, gesture, and sign. Whether a child is shy, non-verbal, still developing speech, or simply processing the world at their own pace, signing helps make sure their voice is respected and valued.
The Right to Play (UNCRC Article 31)
Children learn through play. They flourish through play. They connect through play.
By using Makaton, visual symbols, and clear routines, we make our sessions accessible so that every child can enjoy singing, stories, rhythm, movement, and imagination — together.
Inclusion at the Heart of What We Do
Our team is made up of qualified teachers and experienced practitioners who understand child development deeply. We observe, adapt, respond, and tailor our sessions so that all children — regardless of age, ability, confidence level, or communication style — feel included.
We work by a simple philosophy:
Notice. Learn. Adapt. Respond. Include.
It’s not something we have to stop and think about anymore — it’s simply how we work.
And making sure every new team member, like Anna, is trained in Makaton is one of the ways we protect that culture as Boogie Beat continues to grow 💙🧡
Written by Mairi Curle Owner Franchisee of Boogie Beat Edinburgh Mid and East Lothain
