Learn British Sign Language
We provide free sign language courses and classes for families with children who have any type or level of deafness. Explore our upcoming opportunities to learn British Sign Language (BSL) online below.
Free sign language courses and classes
Family Sign Language 1: Introductory course (England)
A free online group course where families come together and learn useful everyday signs alongside other families.
Who's it for
- Families with deaf children ages 0 to 5 years who live in England
- Up to six family members can take part, so grandparents and other family members can join remotely
- The course is suitable for those who have little or no previous experience of sign language.
When and where
- Every Tuesday for six consecutive weeks
- Starts 3 June 2025, 6pm to 7pm
- Online via Zoom
What to expect
To help you develop communication within the home, you’ll learn signs you can include in your daily routines. Our experienced deaf tutors will cover a range of topics, including fingerspelling, family, food and drink, emotions and lots more.
Families who complete four or more sessions will qualify to join our follow-on course, Family Sign Language 2: Next Steps.
Family Sign Language: Summer Special
Who's it for
- Families with deaf children ages 0 to 5 years
- Up to six family members can take part, so grandparents and other family members can join remotely.
When and where
- Thursday 22 May
- 7pm to 8pm
- Online via Zoom
What to expect
Whether you are new to signing, want to practise your skills or learn some additional signs, come and join us for a fun session! Our experienced tutors will teach you lots of signs relating to Summer.
First Signs, First Stories: Owl Babies by Martin Waddell
Join our new fun and interactive online session for your chance to learn basic signs through the magic of storytelling!
Who's it for
- Designed for children aged 0 to 2 years, but open to all families with pre-school children who have any type or level of deafness.
When and where
- Monday 2 June
- 10am to 10.40am
- Online via Zoom
What to expect
First Signs, First Stories offers a gentle and enjoyable introduction to BSL. The session will be led by an experienced deaf tutor, supported by BSL interpreters. You’ll learn essential communication strategies and key signs to accompany the story. Our tutor will sign Owl Babies, bringing it to life in a way that supports bonding between parents, carers, and their children
- Learn as a family. Grandparents, siblings and other family members are welcome to come along. Up to six people can join per a family, using a maximum of three devices.
- Connect with a community of families with deaf children in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Don’t miss your chance to explore the world of sign language with your little one!
Family Sign Language One- to-One Course
If a group course is not suitable, you may qualify for one of our one-to-one family courses.
Who's it for
- Families with deaf children ages 0 to 5 years.
- Up to six family members can take part, so grandparents and other family members can join remotely.
When and where
- We have a very limited number of one-to-one courses available.
- The course is delivered over six sessions via Zoom at a time suitable for you.
What to expect
Our experienced tutors will teach you and your family signs that you can use in everyday family life. Topics include mealtimes, family members, talking about feelings and lots more.
We prioritise applications from:
- those who experience communication difficulties in the home
- young children with language and communication concerns
- families with no previous experience of learning sign language
- families with a child who needs additional learning support.
What other families thought…
“The course has been amazing and has taught us the basic signs needed to help my daughter with her communication. I would definitely recommend the course to others. We learnt so many signs that are now incorporated into our daily routines. Thank you so much!”
Vicky, parent of a deaf child
Joining our online events
We'll have experts on hand to support you in joining the event online. You can also watch or download our guide to joining online events.
Zoom auto-generated captions and BSL interpreters will be available.
Contact us
If you have any questions or require any other communication or language support, please email [email protected].