Tutor Training is for those with experience of sign-supported communication who wish to train others. This course is not just about teaching vocabulary but developing the necessary skills to access and perform all of our vocabulary.
We deliver Tutor training courses both in-person and online subject to a minimum of 4 participants. Training will be delivered by an experienced Senior Tutor over 4 consecutive days. The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 6 to ensure all trainees receive significant supervision and support.
Online training is delivered using Zoom and usually limited to 4 participants. We have amended our timetable to include additional activities, the use of break out rooms, and sufficient breaks to avoid eye fatigue.
Successful completion of our Tutor Training course will see participants awarded either Foundation status or Registered status. Please note, Foundation status is not automatically guaranteed. Occasionally some trainees do not manage to complete all aspects of the course and may be offered Registered status. This still enables you to teach Introductory courses and Workshops to others. The trainee will be allocated a mentor who is a Foundation Tutor in their area to provide guidance and support. When the trainee is ready to deliver their first Foundation course, the mentor will be available to co-tutor if required and subject to the outcome, may then become a Foundation Tutor.
Who Can 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. However, trainees must be familiar with the way that 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 or email us to discuss this. Please note, 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.
* We now offer a FAST TRACK FOUNDATION COURSE for those not familiar with Signalong who want to train to become a Signalong Tutor.
Why Use Signalong?
Sign-supported communication emphasises the key information in a message, helping to improve comprehension and expression of language. Using additional communication methods increase participation, choice, inclusion, and independence, while reducing anxiety, frustration, and aggression that can result from communication breakdowns. Signalong follows spoken English word order, signing only the key words at an appropriate level.
Unlike other signing providers, Signalong does not charge a consultation fee to begin the process of becoming a Tutor, making our Tutor Training Course significantly more affordable than those offered by other providers.
The cost to become a Signalong Tutor is £1,475 per person. This includes a four-day training course and a certificate. Once qualified, Tutors can recoup the cost by delivering a full Foundation Course.
What Does the Course Entail?
Before the course start date, you will be sent out your Tutor Training manual and box of resources to use during the course.
During the 4-day 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 by preparing and delivering several presentations.
You will explore all aspects of communication before learning about the history, philosophy & methodology of Signalong. Following this, you will look at who can benefit from using a sign-supported communication system and referencing the link between real objects to sign using core vocabulary. We will also cover generalisation, key words and symbolic understanding using resources provided by us.
Trainees are given constant feedback and are actively encouraged to question all areas of the course content. Trainees are continually assessed and include completion of Signalong Training Manual and conclude with a 1:1 Tutorial.
What Training Can Signalong Tutors Offer?
After successful completion, Tutors can deliver a range of training including topic-based Workshops, Introductory and Foundation courses, Foundation Extension, Signalong Training Assistant (STAs) and Signalong for Learners, all of which can be discussed in further detail after/during the course.
Tutors are not constrained by the charity as to where and to whom they may offer their services. While most Signalong courses are developed around the Basic Vocabulary Phase 1 manual, any vocabulary using any of our manuals can be used according to the requirements of the environment. Provided that elements of Signalong are taught, these courses will be recognised by the charity.
How Do Tutors Maintain Their Skills?
Registration is continuous and Tutors must deliver yearly training to maintain Foundation Tutor status and attend one of our Regional Conferences at least once every 2 years. The conference includes key updates from and about Signalong as well as skills workshops to ensure the quality of training is upheld. The cost to attend the Conference is included within your Tutor Renewal fee.
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).
What Support Do Signalong Tutors Receive?
Tutors have unlimited access to the Sign Library and a closed area of the Signalong website called the members area which is specifically for Tutors and includes all the relevant information on how to run a course, teaching and learning resources, Signalong updates, and free resources.
You will also be able to purchase resources specifically developed for Tutors to enhance your training delivery. Substantial discounts are given on manuals bought for training courses, and Tutors also receive 10% discount on publications for their own use and their establishment when purchased through us. Tutors can also vote at our AGM.
Specific training issues or enquires can also be discussed in confidence with our office team either by email or by phone.
What Will It Cost?
The cost to become a Signalong tutor is £1,475 per person, for Self-funding Professionals, the cost is £1,300 per person and for Self-funding Parents or Unwaged, the cost of Tutor Training is £1,145 per person. This includes a four-day training course and certificate. Once qualified, Tutors can recoup the cost by delivering one full Foundation Course.
After this an annual renewal fee of £200 + VAT will be required to continue teaching Signalong. Your annual renewal also includes one year unlimited access to the Sign Library, until the next registration period.
Discounts
Signalong are now able to offer the following discounts*:
- More than 1 participant from the same organisation 5%
- 3-4 participants from the same organisation 10%
- 5 and over participants from the same organisation 15%
- Charitable organisations with a turnover of less than £250,000 will receive 10% discount. Please note, this must be supported in your company account at the Charities Commission.
*applied to invoices paid on receipt.