Hands On Communication UK

Hands On Communication UK My name is Kirsty Davison I am a qualified Makaton Tutor and a communication consultant.

My name is Kirsty Davison and I have over 20 years’ experience working in the early years sector specifically working with children with a range of speech, language and communication needs. I have an NVQ Level 3 in childcare and a BA Hons Degree in early Childhood Studies. I am extremely passionate about making sure that every child has a voice, and that young children and families receive the best support possible to ensure this. I worked for Sheffield Speech and language Therapy Service for 13 years and specialised in working with children with autism spectrum disorder and complex needs. I have also worked at the Ucan Centre for children with a diagnosis of Developmental Language Disorder. I worked for Sheffield Local Authority for 5 years in the Quality Improvement Team where I worked extensively with schools and early years settings to improve communication opportunities for young children and training childminders, teachers teaching assistants and early years practitioners as part of the Speak up for Sheffield programme. I have used Makaton with children and their families for many years and have extensive experience working in schools to support children with speech, language and communication needs. Early in my career, it was clear to me that many people would benefit from using Makaton. I strongly believe that providing good quality Makaton training, activities and ongoing support will have a significant positive impact on communication skills particularly for young children. I am also trained and highly experienced in other therapy techniques such as The Picture Exchange Communication System, Intensive Interaction and Attention Autism and Therapeutic Play. I am able to provide bespoke support to families and settings on the use of these approaches please contact me for more information

04/12/2025
22/11/2025

A huge well done to the 13 participants who attended the Level 1 workshop this month through the Sheffield Early Years Service traded service package . They were so passionate about the children they support in their various roles . It was an honour to work on behalf of Sheffield city council again .

What a brilliant day delivering a Makaton level 1 workshop for staff who support students with additional needs at The S...
22/10/2025

What a brilliant day delivering a Makaton level 1 workshop for staff who support students with additional needs at The Sheffield College . They were a fantastic bunch !

I will be doing my training for this later this month so I will be able to get this course soon
05/10/2025

I will be doing my training for this later this month so I will be able to get this course soon

We are really excited to introduce Makaton For… Early Years Settings

From snack time to story time, Makaton helps children be included, reduces frustration, and supports every child’s voice to be heard.

This workshop has been especially developed for nurseries, preschools, and childcare teams who want to:
- Build communication skills
- Create inclusive environments
- Give children the best start in life!

Find out more and make an enquiry today: http://bit.ly/3IRnmr5

09/09/2025

Today on Emergency Services Day we say a big thank you to all the people who keep us safe.

We’re especially grateful to those who’ve had Makaton training to make sure everyone can understand and be understood in an emergency.

Find out more about Makaton training for your workplace here: https://bit.ly/3YqMh86

28/08/2025
28/08/2025

Happy international Makaton Awareness day everyone

Hello everyone I will be running a Makaton Level 2 workshop Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th September 9.30am-1pm via zoo...
25/08/2025

Hello everyone I will be running a Makaton Level 2 workshop Saturday 13th and Saturday 20th September 9.30am-1pm via zoom . The level 2 workshop is a great way to enhance your signing skills and learn all the stage 3 and stage 4 vocabulary . Message me to book a place . Price pp is £90 which includes the cost of your certificate and participant manual (or £80 if you completed Level 1 training with me ) .

16/08/2025
What a brilliant morning I had at Fenwood House Day nursery delivering Makaton taster training to the team . They were s...
09/08/2025

What a brilliant morning I had at Fenwood House Day nursery delivering Makaton taster training to the team . They were so engaged and did amazing with all the activities . Well done 👏

30/07/2025

DLD is a difficulty with understanding and using words and sentences.

Interacting in conversation requires those same skills, and often at a fast rate, and often in groups. It comes as no surprise that DLD (Developmental Language Disorder) therefore impacts on friendships.

That doesn't mean that people with DLD can't have friends. When friends understand about DLD and can talk with the person with DLD and agree what strategies help that makes a big difference. And when we say 'strategies' it can be something as simple as waiting a bit longer for the person with DLD to respond.

And when more people know about DLD, the world can change for those with DLD.
Help us to change the world for people with DLD!
Friday October 17th 2015: 'you can't see DLD'
radld.org

27/07/2025

You're invited to a special online event to celebrate Makaton International Awareness Day 2025 💛

This year’s theme is Friendship and Connection, and everyone’s welcome – whether you’re brand new to Makaton or use it every day.

We’ll start together with a warm welcome, then you can choose from a mix of brilliant breakout rooms:
🎵 Sing and Sign – sign along to a song in a fun, interactive session
👋 Try Makaton – a relaxed taster for first-timers
🗣️ What’s it all about? – hear real stories and ask your questions
☕ Connection Café – meet others, share tips and experiences
📘 Find out about Makaton Training – discover your next step

Come along to connect, learn, and celebrate the joy of inclusive communication.

For more information and to register click here: http://bit.ly/3H2ETLU

Know someone who’d love this? Tag them below to make sure they join the fun!

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Sheffield

Telephone

+447912613544

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