Today over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs, either as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.

Teaching makaton and/or basic sign language in school would help break down communication barriers for individuals with communication or learning difficulties. 

Most children with special educational needs (SEN) go to mainstream schools, with less than 10% attending special schools in the UK. 
source: https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/research-and-statistics/children-research-and-statistics

For more information people with learning disabilities:

https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/research-and-statistics

for more information on makaton:

https://www.makaton.org