Parkdean Resorts, the UK’s leading holiday park operator, has begun to incorporate Makaton into its Entertainment Programme delivery, allowing the teams on park to communicate with non-verbal children.

A communication tool using signs and symbols, Makaton can either be used to support speech or as a main form of communication, and is used by both children and adults with disabilities or learning difficulties.

Parkdean Resorts introduced basic Makaton training at its Trouper Academy for team members earlier this year to cater for the increasing number of non-verbal children holidaying at its 66 parks across the UK.

Training sessions were led by qualified Makaton teacher Steve Moloney, known as ‘Sign With Steve’ through his popular social media channels, and covered the basics of Makaton, including the alphabet, greetings, Parkdean Resorts character names, and typical conversations that take place on holiday parks. Steve has also created a recap video and cheat sheet for the Troupers to refer to, to help enhance their training.

Regular visiting band, Crowdeoke, which tours Parkdean Resorts’ parks, has also worked with Steve to make their performances more accessible. Steve has recorded himself signing to all of the band’s songs, and the videos are shown on screens throughout the show to allow those with communication difficulties to enjoy the performance.

Liam Beck, National Entertainment Lead at Parkdean Resorts, said: “Ensuring all our guests have their needs met is essential to us, and we want to make sure all children feel included when they’re enjoying our entertainment programme. We’ve already had fantastic feedback since the Troupers have started using their new skills on our parks, and parents and guardians of children with additional needs are thrilled we’ve taken our teams through this training.

“We’re planning to continue working with Steve to train new Troupers, and also look to incorporate Makaton into the content of our activities. This is just the start of our mission to make our entertainment inclusive for all, and we’re delighted with the feedback we’ve received so far.”

Steve said: “I’m passionate about spreading the message of what a powerful communication tool Makaton is, so it’s been fantastic to work with Parkdean Resorts’ Entertainment Troupers on their training. Makaton is a really effective way to communicate for both children and adults, and it’s brilliant to see Parkdean Resorts embracing this to ensure everyone is included.”