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British Sign Language Training

British Sign Language Level 1 Training – in Partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people

London West Sussex

In partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD), we are delighted to offer the opportunity for individuals who are deaf and BSL is their first language and for parents and carers of deaf people to learn British Sign Language (BSL) and achieve a recognised qualification. We are an approved centre with Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL.

Course Synopsis

In partnership with:

The British Sign Language Level 1 course, delivered in partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people (RAD), is for people who are deaf and use BSL as their first language, and for parents and carers of deaf people. Taught online by deaf qualified tutors, you’ll explore BSL, its culture and history, and gain a recognised qualification with Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL.

Why Study

  1. Learn BSL from experienced, passionate deaf qualified tutors, online via Teams, wherever you are.
  2. Gain a recognised BSL qualification from Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL.
  3. Progress on to British Sign Language Level 2 to build your skills further.

Course Content

  • Meet people in BSL and sign numbers, weather, transport and directions in everyday conversation.
  • Describe people, objects and animals, and share your interests and activities in BSL.
  • Talk about food and drink, and share information about getting around in BSL.
  • Build on each theme with extra topics that prepare you for your assessments.
  • Explore BSL culture, rich history and syntax while you build your signing skills.

How The Training Works

You learn online through weekly sessions on Teams, taught by experienced and passionate deaf qualified tutors. The course runs for 3 hours a week over 15 weeks. Each unit is assessed with a 5 minute recorded conversation with your BSL trainer, and the topics you learn in class are the ones you use in your assessments. We’re an approved centre with Signature, the UK’s leading awarding body for BSL, and this course is delivered in partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people.

Eligibility

You must be:

  • Aged 19+.
  • Live in London or West Sussex.
  • Not on any other government funded training.
  • Your first or preferred language is BSL, or you are a parent or carer of deaf children/and or young people.
  • If Living in London, earning under £30,127 a year (unless you are the carer or parent of a deaf person).
  • If Living in West Sussex, earning under £26,800 a year (unless you are the carer or parent of a deaf person).
  • 3 year residency rules apply.

Progression Routes

British Sign Language Level 2 in Partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people

Frequently Asked Questions

BSL Level 1 at Professional Training Solutions is a nationally recognised beginner's qualification introducing you to the fundamentals of British Sign Language and Deaf awareness. You'll cover everyday vocabulary and practical communication across topics like introductions, family, directions, numbers, weather, food and hobbies, alongside an understanding of Deaf culture and communication within the Deaf community.

Funded BSL Level 1 is currently available for eligible adults aged 19+ LIVING in LONDON or WEST SUSSEX through our Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provision, subject to Greater London Authority funding rules. Priority is typically given to Deaf learners whose first language is BSL, and to parents, carers or family members of Deaf children. Deaf apprentices may also be able to take BSL as an approved alternative to Functional Skills English within their apprenticeship.

BSL Level 1 is delivered fully online through Zoom, with weekly 3 hour taught sessions over 15 weeks, plus online assessments and exams. Courses are taught by qualified Deaf tutors and experienced BSL specialists. As BSL is a visual language, you'll need a reliable internet connection and a device with a working camera and microphone to take part.

BSL Level 1 is assessed across three units through recorded one to one conversations with your tutor or assessor, testing your ability to understand and communicate in British Sign Language on the topics covered. Assessments are conducted online and externally quality assured by Signature.

Yes, successful learners receive the nationally recognised Level 1 Award in British Sign Language, awarded by Signature and regulated by Ofqual. The course is delivered by Professional Training Solutions in partnership with the Royal Association for Deaf people.