This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament
Petition Require all primary schools to teach makaton
Many children rely on Makaton, a language program using signs and symbols, to communicate. However, they face a significant challenge, many people are unable to understand what they are saying.
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This struggle is not unique to my family; it's shared by thousands of families with non-verbal children across the country.
Makaton provides a vital communication bridge for those who cannot speak. Yet, despite its importance, it's not a compulsory part of the primary curriculum in our schools. This lack of education leads to isolation and misunderstanding for non-verbal individuals.
In the UK alone, there are approximately 700,000 people (1% of the population) with autism - many of whom might benefit from using or understanding Makaton (National Autistic Society). Moreover, around 7% of children aged 5-16 years have speech and language difficulties (RCSLT).
This petition closed early because of a General Election Find out more on the Petitions Committee website
25 signatures
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10,000 signatures required to get a government response