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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

First Signs, First Stories

Join our new fun and interactive online sessions 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

  • Every Friday for six weeks, starting 17 January 2025
  • 10am to 10.40am
  • Online via Zoom

Stories week-by-week

  • 17 January, Where’s Spot
  • 24 January, Dear Zoo
  • 31 January, Goldilocks & the Three Bears
  • 7 February, Fox’s Socks
  • 14 February, Postman Bear
  • 21 February, The Very Hungry Caterpillar

What to expect 

First Signs, First Stories offers a gentle and enjoyable introduction to BSL. Each session will be led by an experienced deaf tutor, supported by BSL interpreters. You’ll learn essential communication strategies and key signs to accompany each story. Our tutor will sign the story, bringing it to life in a way that supports bonding between parents, carers, and their children. 

Benefits of joining 

  • Learn as a family. Grandparents, siblings and other family members are welcome to come along. Up to six people can join per family, using a maximum of three devices.
  • Connect with a community of families with deaf children in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Book onto all six sessions or the ones that fit your schedule. Don’t miss your chance to explore the world of sign language with your little one! 

Family Sign Language 1: Introductory course 

Sorry, there’s currently no course dates available. New dates will be available in April 2025.

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 starting in January 2025.
  • 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. 

Family Sign Language: Christmas Special  

Who's it for

  • This session is now fully booked for families living in England. You can still book a place if you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales.
  • Families with deaf children ages 0 to 5 years.
  • Bring the whole family along; up to three devices can join in the fun.

When and where 

  • 11 December
  • 6.30pm to 7.30pm
  • Online via Zoom

What to expect 

Get into the festive spirit with our Family Sign Language team! Our friendly, experienced deaf tutors are here to teach you Christmas-themed signs. So, grab your Christmas hats, jumpers and reindeer antlers and get ready for some jolly signing.

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

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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].