Training

1.	Before attempting to acquire Signed English skills, teachers and others should have passed CACDP / Signature Stage I or an equivalent BSL qualification.
2.	The Working Party offers training courses in Signed English and details can be obtained from the Information Officer. It is not possible to learn the system from a book or CD 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 teachers can be trained while introducing the system into the classroom. Training courses will not necessarily ensure that all teachers 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. These 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.

Courses and assessments are offered at two levels. It is not possible to follow a Level II Course without recommendation from a Level I Assessment.

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

The cost of a course is £300.00 per student which includes 12 hours of tuition, an assessment, course materials and travel & accommodation expenses for tutors and assessors. This fee is based on a minimum of 6 students attending a course.

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 Information Officer: Mrs Pat Jebb, 9 Parkfield Way, Topsham, Exeter, EX3 0DP.

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