Sign Language
For most of our pupils early language and communication will be acquired through sign language.
A large percentage of pupils are from deaf families who have sign as their first language. Others are children with hearing parents who have signed from diagnosis or the early years. We recognise the value of British Sign Language as a language in its own right and as the first language of many of our pupils. Pupils are encouraged to take Signature BSL qualifications.
Staff are skilled users of BSL, many being native users, thus allowing direct communication with pupils. All members of the school community learn to sign supported by Heathlands’ BSL Centre.