About me Gemma Sharp
I am a mother to a 7 year old, a toddler yoga instructor, baby massage instructor, Rebound Therapist and Regional Makaton tutor and have been working as a special needs teacher for 15 years. I learnt Makaton to communicate with my sister who has Down’s syndrome and have been using it for 30 years.
In my time as a special needs teacher I have developed a big interest in communication and physical development and ways to use these to support children. I have trained as a Rebound Therapist and have an Olympic trampoline inbuilt in my garden for rebound sessions.
I have also trained as a toddler yoga instructor as I have found my toddler has developed concentration, relaxation and physical skills through our general yoga practice. Whilst my daughter was young I attended a baby massage session and have used this daily to support my daughter to relax and sleep, I have recently trained as a baby massage instructor to support mothers to learn these techniques with their babies.
I run a range of Makaton courses throughout the year if you would like any future training please get in touch.
Courses / Classes
Makaton level 1 - £85.00 *
- Includes course book with the signs and symbols taught
- Covers stages 1-2 and additional signs and needs to be complete first
- You will receive a certificate at the end of the course
- Maximum of 11 participants per course
Makaton level 2 - £85.00 *
- Includes course book with the signs and symbols taught
- Covers stages 3-4
- You will receive a certificate at the end of the course
- The price includes a course book with the signs and symbols.
- Maximum of 11 participants per course
Makaton level 3 - £85.00 *
- Includes course book with the signs and symbols taught
- Covers stages 5-6
- You will receive a certificate at the end of the course
- Maximum of 11 participants per course
Makaton level 4 - £85.00 *
- Includes course book with the signs and symbols taught
- Covers stages 7-8
- You will receive a certificate at the end of the course
- Maximum of 11 participants per course
* Training is in person in Telscombe Cliffs
Baby massage - 4 week course - 45 minute class for £40
Baby massage classes are suitable for baby’s from 6 weeks until they are mobile.
You will be shown the massages to do with your baby, the benefits of massage, when to massage and when not to massage.
You will also receive a handout with all the massages.
Early years Communication Classes with songs play and story time - £6.00
Classes will revolve around communication and suitable for 18 months until school age. Classes will be for 45 minutes.
Baby signing - 6 weeks course £50
Come and learn Makaton signs to use with your baby in an interactive fun way. Songs, real objects and play are used to teach the signs to you and your baby.
A course book with all the signs is given out, to ensure you can continue using the signs once the course is over.
Dates:6th and 27th February 2023 10.30-11.30am Suitable for: Babies from about 4 months to about 18 months
- 6 x sessions including a book of signs and handouts
- Maximum of 8 parents with their babies per class.
1:1 Sessions for Children with additional needs - £20.00 for 30 minutes or £35.00 for 1 hour.
These can be on a one off basis or regular sessions to input ideas in communication, using Makaton signing, aided language boards, intensive interact and PECS.
Rebound Therapy sessions - £20 for 30 minutes
These include trampolining depending on the weather
Please get in touch if you require training for more than 15 and I will contact colleagues to work alongside myself.
Please get in touch if you are a parent or carer and need to use Makaton as a form of communication with an individual.
Course dates: 2025
Makaton level 1 course:
21st January 2025 - 9:30 - 4:30 - £85.00 in Telscombe Cliffs
You will learn stages 1, 2 and half of the additional section. You will receive a course book and at completion a certificate. This will be the start of your Makaton journey so no experience needed. Contact me for further enquiries.
Makaton level 2 course:
4th February 2025 - 9:30 - 4:30 - £85.00 in Telscombe Cliffs
You will receive a course book and at completion a certificate. You need to have completed level 1 to do this course. You will learn stages 3, 4 and the rest of the additional section. Contact me for further enquiries.
Makaton level 3 course:
18th March 2025 - 9:30 - 4:30 - £85.00 in Telscombe Cliffs
You need to have completed level 2 before attending this course. You will get a course book sent to you before the start of the course. Contact me for further enquiries.
Makaton level 4 course:
TBA - 9:30 - 4:30 - £85.00 in Telscombe Cliffs
You need to have completed level 1, 2 & 3 before attending this course. You will get a course book sent to you before the start of the course. Contact me for further enquiries.
Baby massage:
Wednesday's 1.15 - 2.15 £40 for 4 week course.
Baby signing course:
A one hour course for 6 weeks
Suitable for: Babies from about 4 months to about 18 months
TBA 10.30 - 11.30
Contact me for course dates and further information about courses.
Book online or call 07876 032258
Schools, Colleges & Work Places
Once you have completed a course I will provide seasonal updates 3 times for the year to keep your signing up to date and relevant. This will help maintain staff interest and motivation.
