Learn British Sign Language
We provide free courses to introduce families of deaf children to Family Sign Language and British Sign Language (BSL). Find out about upcoming Family Sign Language courses that you can sign up for below.
Family Sign Language Online Christmas Special
Who's it for
Families with children aged 0 to 5 years old. Up to six family members can join using a maximum of three devices.
What you'll learn
Get into the festive spirit with our Family Sign Language team! Our deaf tutors will be teaching signs relating to Christmas, so dig out those Christmas hats, jumpers and reindeer antlers and join us for some Christmas cheer.
When and where
- Wednesday 6 December, 6.30pm to 7.30pm
- Online via Zoom
How to apply
Places are limited, so reserve your spot now.
Family Sign Language Group Online Course
Coming soon
2024 dates for our next introductory six-week Family Sign Language group online course will be available soon.
At our free online group course, families of deaf children aged 0 to 5 years old can come together and learn useful everyday signs alongside other families. The course is suitable for those who have little or no previous experience of sign language.
We’ll be launching a brand-new, follow-on online course for anyone who has already completed our six-week introductory Family Sign Language course. The course will start in the new year. More information will be sent to families by email.
Family Sign Language One-to-One Online Course
Who's it for
This course is recommended for families with children 0 to 5 years old.
If you and your family can’t join our group course, you can apply for a one-to-one family sign language course. We deliver one-to-one courses over six sessions via Zoom at a time suitable for you and up to six family members. Grandparents and other family members are welcome to join remotely.
Places are very limited, and we’ll prioritise applications from:
- families with a deaf child aged 0 to 5 years old
- 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 who need additional learning support so the group course would not be suitable.
What you'll learn
Our experienced tutors will teach you and your family how to use British Sign Language in everyday family life. We’ll cover topics such as mealtimes, family members and talking about feelings.
When and where
- Between January to March 2024
- Online via Zoom
How to apply
Applications will open on 6 November 2023 and close on 1 December 2023.
Happy Hands: Baby Sign Online Sessions
Our baby sign sessions for 0 to 4 year olds are designed to boost your deaf child’s communication development in their early years.
At these interactive online sessions, you and your little one will have fun while singing well-known songs and nursery rhymes and reading some of your favourite stories. We’ll be using lots of toys, teddies and colour to grab your child’s attention and engage them through the screen.
Although Happy Hands is not a British Sign Language course, it’s a relaxed and fun way to learn some everyday signs that you can use at home with your child.
