Makaton master with Down's syndrome lands dream job

Eve is qualified to teach Makaton at Level 3 and says she loves being back at school

A woman with Down's syndrome who teaches Makaton has said it feels amazing to go back to her old school as a teacher.

Eve McIvor, 24, teaches Year 8 pupils at St Mary's in Londonderry.

Makaton is a language programme that uses symbols, signs, and speech to enable people to communicate.

"I always wanted to be a teacher. It's a big job for me, I'm loving it," Eve told BBC Radio Foyle.

She's back at her old school once a week to share her Makaton expertise.

Eve, who also has autism, is qualified to teach Makaton at level 3. That requires dedication and planning, she said.

"I work really hard during the week, Every night I go up to my room, and do Makaton. I'm a Makaton master.

"I'm now teaching Year 8 and 9 and it is amazing."

Eve teaches Year 8 and 9 pupils at the Derry school.

According to the official Makaton website, more than 100,000 children and adults use the system.

It was developed in the 1970s and 1980s, and is named using the initials of the people who originally created it.

• What is Makaton?

Makaton features prominently in the children's TV programme Something Special, presented by Justin Fletcher, known as Mr Tumble.

Eve's colleagues said she is a great addition to the school's staff

St Mary's teacher Catriona Keely said Eve was a great addition to the staff, adding that she was "the perfect role model, a true St Mary's girl".

"We encourage them to find their talent and pursue their dreams - that's what Eve has done, lived out the motto - go after what you want to do in life and Eve wanted to be a teacher," she said.

"She has a very detailed programme that she works hard on and practices and plans her lessons every evening.

"More importantly she is teaching the skill of Makaton."