Signalong Tutor Training

Who may become a Signalong tutor?

Anyone with experience of sign-supported communication in a learning difficulty or autism environment.   We prefer trainees to have completed a Signalong Foundation course, but we understand that this is not always possible.   Trainees must be familiar with the way that the Signalong vocabulary is presented, and will be given a copy of the Signalong Basic Vocabulary Phase 1 manual, which forms the basis of the course.   Anyone beginning the training without having studied the manual will have great difficulty and may not be able to complete the course.   If you are not sure that your experience is sufficient please ring us to discuss this.   We reserve the right to exclude anyone from the course who does not demonstrate the required familiarity with the Signalong approach – this is a course for those who wish to train others, not for beginners.  The charity is a member of the Open College Network (OCN), providing courses with external accreditation ranging from Entry level (for service users) to Level 2 (Intermediate) course.

What does the course entail?

5 days of intense study

3 evenings of preparation

1 evening of individual discussions

During the course Signalong methodology is explored, elements of language development are discussed and participants have the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of teaching techniques and theory.  Trainees complete a handbook during the course.

What training can Signalong tutors offer?

On registration, tutors can deliver a range of training including Foundation, Introductory courses and topic-based workshops.  Tutors are not constrained by the charity as to where and to whom they may offer their services.   While most Signalong courses are geared around the Basic Vocabulary Phase 1 manual, any vocabulary can be used according to the requirements of the environment.   Provided that the elements of Signalong are taught these courses will be recognised by the charity.   Tutors who attend an additional 1-day workshop can offer OCN-accredited courses.

How do tutors maintain their skills?

Tutors have to run at least 1 Foundation courses or equivalent each year, registered with the Signalong Centre to maintain full Foundation Tutor status; those who are unable to do so can register as Associate Tutors and continue to provide Introductory courses and workshops.   The charity runs regional conferences at difference locations.  Tutors must attend at least one of these every 2 years to maintain their registration, and the conference will include Refresher Seminars for Associate Tutors wishing to regain their Foundation status

Can tutors provide higher level training?

Experienced tutors can offer a course based on Signalong Basic Vocabulary Phase 2, which develops skills introduced in a Foundation course (it is not necessary for the tutor to restrict training to either Phase 1 for Foundation or Phase 2 for further development).   On completion of an additional workshop, tutors can offer OCN-accredited training to Level 2.

What support do Signalong tutors receive?

Tutors have access to a closed area of the Signalong website which is a tutor and member forum, with email information distributed from time to time.   They can also vote at the Signalong AGM

Substantial discounts are given on manuals bought for training courses, and tutors also receive 10% discount on publications for their own use.

Regional Tutor Conferences, where tutors can share good practice and update their knowledge of available resources, are provided.

Tutors, in common with other Signalong users, have full access to the charity’s free sign research and advice service.   Specific training issues can also be discussed in confidence with the Development and Training team.

What will it cost?

There is a sliding scale of fees:                                                                      At the Rochester Centre                 In other areas

Professionals whose fees are paid by their organisation:                                £980                                                   £1100

Self-funding professionals                                                                             £920                                                   £1025

Self-funding parents and unwaged:                                                               £850                                                  £ 950

Tutors are required to pay an annual subscription fee, currently £100 + v.a.t. (Current year's subscription included in course fee)

Attendance at a Regional Conference at least every other year, currently £85

Courses currently arranged

Next tutors course in Rochester: Monday 5th March - Friday 9th March

4 places remaining

For future courses please call Sarah Bissett on 0845 450 8424 or email sbissett@signalong.org.uk

Watch this space for future courses in Rochester and in other parts of the UK.

Courses can be arranged at the premises of other organisations.   The programme is highly structured to cater for 8 trainees; if a commissioning or hosting organisation does not wish to take all 8 places, Signalong will co-operate with marketing the course.   For details of this please call Mike Kennard on 0845 450 8423.