Training

1.	Before attempting to acquire Signed English skills teachers (and others) should have passed CACDP Stage I (BSL Skills).
2.	The Working Party offers training courses in Signed English and details can be obtained from the Treasurer and Information Officer. It is not possible to learn the system from a book or video alone. Provision should be made for on-going tuition and support.
3.	Teachers, classroom assistants, parents, ancillary workers, friends and the general public have very different needs and skills therefore courses should be structured specifically for them.
4.	Teachers should be trained to use Signed English prior to implementation. It is highly unrealistic to suggest that teacher can be trained while introducing the system into the classroom. Training courses will not necessarily ensure that all teacher of the deaf become good manual communicators.
5.	The availability of deaf people for discussion, tuition, guidance and assistance is an essential part of a training programme. They should be skilled communicators who recognise the education needs of hearing-impared children.
6.	It must be stressed that if Signed English is to be implemented effectively a substantial commitment in terms of money, time, energy and resources will be required.

A course consists of 3 days - each involving 4 hours tuition. Generally these days are arranged for one Saturday in three consecutive terms. This allows time to work on and discuss practice material in between.

The cost of a course is £100.00 per candidate which includes an assessment. This figure is calculated on a minimum of 6 students attending a course. Expenses for a tutor and assessors should be allowed for and will depend on distances to be travelled to the course venue.

The Working Party is a self-funding Body and, if numbers fall below this figure, a Course is not viable. However, in some circumstances, it is possible to negotiate terms with the Treasurer/Information Officer: Mrs Pat Jebb, 9 Parkfield Way, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0DP.

•Training •Assessments •Examples of Signs •Contact Details •Price List •Postage Rates
• Home • History of WPSE •What is Signed English •Sign Modes