Your questions answered
I am not a teacher, is the course suitable for me?
You do not need to be a teacher to join Little Signers Club. The main thing is that you enjoy working with children and have enthusiasm, creativity and a desire to make a difference.
Do I need signing experience before I join Little Signers Club?
Not at all, you'll be taught all that you need to know to start running classes. However, you are required as part of your Licence Agreement, to start your British Sign Language Level 1 course during your first year with us. If you already have a BSL qualification this will be a huge help to you and a bonus for us!
I don't really want to teach, but would like to use the ideas at home with my children, can I attend Little Signers Club training courses?
You are welcome to come on the course and use the exercises at home with your children and your friends but we'd recommend attending one of our Communication Development courses instead or if you can’t make a six week course, join our half day workshop for Childminders, Nannies and Parents. We'd also recommend our FREE guide to Getting Started With Baby Signing or our course book, Signing Hands; Baby Signing Basics.
I do not have an Enhanced CRB check, can I still attend training?
Your CRB cost is covered as part of the License Package and forms will be completed at the Training course. If you want to start your classes straight away, you may like to apply early as some these can take up to 4- 6 weeks.
What happens if there is another teacher near me?
We like to encourage people to support each other rather than compete. We believe strongly that whatever you put in, so you will get back. Supporting other teachers and feeling supported is all part of the Little Signers Club ethic as often people can share workload if there is too much or they are not well. It also raises the brand profile if people see that there are more classes in their area.
Am I bound by any contract?
To receive your Little Signers Club Teacher Certificate, you will sign a license agreement form. This entitles you to run your classes using the Little Signers Club trademark and gives you access to lesson plans and lots of other support. If you want to cease trading, you simply have to notify us in writing. The Agreement is not complicated and sets out what you can expect from us and equally, what we expect from you in return.
Can I advertise my classes on the Little Signers Club website?
As soon as we have received your signed License Agreement and your fees, your Teachers page will be live on the Little Signers Club website. This will let people know that classes are coming to your area soon. Once you have completed your training and received your certificate, you can list your classes.
How can I get funding for the course?
You may be able to get funding through your local business or enterprise schemes.
How do I book and secure my place?
Please get in touch with Louise who will send you our information pack and application form as well as arrange to have an informal chat with you.
Do you offer the Course outside the UK?
At the moment, we mainly offer courses in the UK. If you live abroad and are prepared to travel to the UK, you are welcome to come and take the course and run your Little Signers Club classes abroad. Sign language does vary from country to country so you may need to adapt some of what you learn. If you are interested in becoming a Master License Holder for an area outside the UK, then please do email us to find out more about this opportunity.
When is the last date to register for the training course?
The training enrolment is on a first come, first-served basis. Early booking is recommended as baby signing classes become more and more popular.
Do I need to send references?
If you have experience of working with babies or young children, references will be very helpful when you are applying for your place. An interview in person or via Skype or telephone will be held before your place on your selected training course is confirmed.
Is there a practical examination?
There are theoretical and practical examinations for every attendee over both days of the training course. These are very friendly and nothing to worry about - we simply need to make sure that you know all the information that will help you to run great classes in your area. It's in everybody's best interest that all teachers receive the same high level training as a foundation.
Do I need to do anything before the course starts?
Once we have received your deposit payment you will be sent a list of books that are required reading before you attend the course. You will be tested on these at the training course.
What support will I get after the course?
You will get emails with tips and offers, the chance to meet up with other teachers on special meet up days, a business buddy to share problems and ideas, online resources and teacher's forum.
We'll also team you up with your nearest local teacher wherever possible. We have learned through experience that the best way for you to learn what we do is to come and see us in action. So, if you wish, you can spend time with another more experienced teacher before or after your Training going through the course stage by stage. If you can't make it to us, one of the teachers can run through signs with you via Skype.
What resources do you provide as part of the course?
You will receive a comprehensive training manual and operations manual plus any products that form part of the Training Package that you have requested, your T-shirt and your first set of marketing materials. The course will run through all of the areas detailed on the Join Us page.
Do I have to run a certain amount of classes each month?
No, you are free to work as much or as little as you wish. One class a week or five, as a weekly drop in session or as a course of six weeks, a course of twelve weeks - the choice is yours. We'll run through all your options after you join. This business is flexible and truly works around you and your commitments. All we ask is that you are ethical when running your business and support the brand to the best of your ability. In return, we will support you wherever we can.
I have a disability - will I still be able to take the training?
The training normally takes place in various suitable locations so this element is not an issue. However, when running classes we do normally recommend that people are seated on the floor so that babies have freedom to move around. If you feel that this will cause problems for you, you may need to adapt your classes to suit your needs.
What else do I need to know?
Classes involve a mixture of singing, rhymes, stories, chat and theory. You'll be given music files which constitute the majority of what you need song wise but please be aware that signing unaccompanied may be required. Good people skills are also a bonus! You'll be meeting lots if incredible babies and quite a few tired mums who may need just a little extra support and understanding.
A friend and I would like to run classes together in an area – can we do this?
We do offer a "Buddy" Pack for friends wanting to run an area together and we charge 60% of the Standard or Premium Training Package rate. Please email us for further details about this option.
