What is the course exactly?

It’s a child development course for anyone interested in using signing to accelerate the learning and development of children aged 0 – 6 years. Little ones speak earlier, have larger vocabularies, behave better, speedily acquire phonics and most importantly, are happier and content and enjoy learning.

It is also suitable for Health Visitors, Speech Therapists, Libraries, Nurses, Parent Support Workers etc., and a wide variety of organisations working with parents and young children.

"This course has had a tremendous impact on both myself and the children. We have found a new way to communicate, one that is interesting, exciting and fun and where we learn together and from each other."
-- Nichelle Baldeo, student, Hounslow

Who signs up to the course?

At present, the majority of our students are Early Years Practitioners who are funded or part-funded by their Early Years Services. We have up to thirteen staff in a setting on the course.

"A brilliant course. It ticks all the boxes; child development, early years foundation, Inclusion, English as a second language, behaviour, phonics, social skills, speech and language, confidence and self esteem, professional development, parents ... Very exciting."
-- Helen Parker, Senior Development Officer, North Lincolnshire

We also have individual students - parents, librarians, sign language interpreters and BSL students, masters degree students, speech and language therapists, SEN co-ordinators and individuals wanting to set up baby signing classes .... We have students from as far afield as Portugal and Japan!

What do children think of the programme?

They LOVE signing. It is a joyful way of communicating, one they understand.

"Sign language makes you happy… I like it when we sign songs." -- Boy, age 5.

"I like it when you sign cos that’s how I learn."-- Girl, age 5

"Sign motivates the children and their self-esteem soars." -- Teacher

When does the course start?

You can start at any time as “Signing with Babies and Young Children” is a long distance learning course.

What does that mean?

It means you will receive the course in your home or setting together with award-winning materials - DVD’s, signing books, puppet and fingerspelling pack. Our students are excited to receive the pack and can’t wait to get started. You will be supported throughout by a one-to-one tutor.

A Tutor?

Yes, you will be allotted a personal tutor who will support you throughout the course and mark your assignments (if you are studying the accredited course) Contact with your distance tutor will be by email, text, phone, post.

What will I do?

You will carry out the practical signing activities with little ones in homes and settings, sharing one sign a day with colleagues and parents.

"The theory part of the course gave me a greater understanding of the impact of signing in all areas of children’s lives. Planning, carrying out and then evaluating activities made me reflect on what I had done and how I could improve the activity."
-- A. Pirie, student, Scotland

What will I learn?

Fun-filled action-packed signs and phrases to use on a daily basis in a whole range of compelling activities that support the development of the whole child. This includes early spoken communication, vocabulary development and phonics, all of which provide a solid foundation for the acquisition of literacy.

In addition, the course will help you employ innovative, effective and positive behaviour management techniques with young children.

Is it certificated?

Yes, you will receive a nationally recognised EDEXCEL BTEC Award at Level 2 or Level 3. This comes with 6 credits which build towards other qualifications

What if I’m not bothered about the Edexcel Award?

You can still do the course and the course assignments for a reduced fee. For this you will receive a Signs for Success Diploma.

How long will it take?

The course together with the award-winning materials is yours to work through at your own pace. There are enough signs to learn for over three and a half years!

If you are studying the accredited course you are required to complete three Assignments in six months.

Can I obtain funding?

If you are an individual, you will fund the course yourself - although there may be educational trusts, organisations or charities to which you can apply.

If you work for a local authority you may receive funding or part-funding through the Early Years Service (Early Years Training Officer) or your setting. Why not take this information with you when you ask?

Will the course benefit my career?

The course is a Continuing Professional Development course and as such, you will have something special and unique to offer in the workplace. Many of our students go on to study other programmes such as Portage and SENCO training.

"I am loving the course and can really see the benefits to all the children. They pick it all up so fast."
-- Trudie Emery, student, Hounslow

Does the programme benefit older children?

Signs for Success has children up to the age of eleven learning all areas of the curriculum supported by Sign (literacy, maths, history, science ...). The course provides you with the concept and materials for use with any age children.