Enhancing Early Learning with signing
Curriculum Links: Sign Language in the EYFS
Whether you’re looking for whole setting / whole class learning, specific resources for early intervention or closing the attainment gap, or simple strategies to manage behaviour, you’re in the right place. Discover how integrating British Sign Language supports the Early Years Foundation Stage and the links for Emotional Literacy, SEND and EAL support.
Signing Eat; one of the Core Four signs that reduces behaviour as communication
Simple Communication, Language and Literacy Interventions for Early Years
Sign Language and the EYFS | At a Glance
Inclusive Early Communication
Accelerated Learning
Emotional Literacy
Cognitive Development
Behaviour Management
Sign Language and the EYFS
The November 2024 EYFS update (pages 12 and 13) now treats British Sign Language as equal to speaking for Early Learning Goals.
Children who use British Sign Language can show they’re meeting expected levels in Communication, Language, and Literacy through signing instead of talking.
This important change means teachers should look at signing skills in the same way they look at speaking skills, making sure all children have an equal opportunity to show what they know, understand and can do.
Sign Language and Behaviour
We have come to understand that biting, hitting, tantrums and meltdown are outbursts of behaviour as communication. These types of behaviours are not a child’s first cue or clue that they are struggling to have their needs met, but a last resort to get the help or attention they need.
Biting is the ultimate form of communication frustration.
Signing allows little children to communicate what they need, simply and effectively, before behaviour. Which leads to calmer settings as needs are met, engaging interactions with peers and teachers, more learning and most definitely, more fun!
Just four signs can transform behaviour as communication to communication, before behaviour. In turn this reduces the stress and cortisol load in little bodies, protecting the future mental health of our teens and young adults.
Sign Language and Holistic Learning
We know children learn best when their basic needs are met.
Signing gives even the youngest or quietest child a way to tell us “I’m hungry,” “I’m tired,” or “I need help,” so that they feel safe, settled and understood. That security builds connection and confidence – the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs from which all other learning stems.
When children feel safe and connected, they’re ready to explore, play and reach the “thinking” part of learning: listening, problem‑solving, comparing, creating – what Bloom refers to as higher‑level skills.
That’s where signing continues to shine. It supports language, expression, memory, and emotional regulation, helping children develop not just academically, but socially and emotionally too.
Sign language helps everyone feel seen and included, while building the key skills they need for deeper learning, with far less frustration along the way.
Sign Language and Pupil Premium
For children receiving Pupil Premium funding, signing gives extra help by closing early gaps in how they communicate.
Signing creates new ways for children to access the curriculum, which supports children who might be falling behind.
This makes signing a very effective use of Pupil Premium funding to boost children’s learning and development.
PRIME AREA: Communication & Language
What you might be seeing:
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Children with speech delays, Glue Ear, or unclear speech
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EAL learners not accessing full group learning
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Frustration or behaviour linked to not being understood
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Reluctance to join in circle time or storytelling
How signing helps:
Sign language gives visual support to spoken words, helping children to process and remember new vocabulary. It builds confidence, aids understanding, and supports early sentence structure, especially for non-verbal or EAL children.
PRIME AREA: Personal, Social & Emotional Development (PSED)
What you might be seeing:
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Emotional outbursts, especially during transitions
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Children feeling isolated due to speech or SEND needs
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Difficulty in understanding or expressing emotions
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Limited social interaction or turn-taking
How signing helps:
Signs give children a reliable, consistent, accessible way to communicate emotions and needs. They support empathy, reduce frustration, and build inclusive peer interactions – especially for children who feel ‘left out’ of spoken-only exchanges.
PRIME AREA: Physical Development
What you might be seeing:
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Struggles with pencil grip or fine motor control
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Difficulty dressing, managing cutlery, or using tools
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Lack of physical engagement in seated activities
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Over-reliance on passive screen time
How signing helps:
Signing strengthens the muscles in little hands – the same fine motor skills needed for writing and self-care. It encourages purposeful movement, bilateral coordination and spatial awareness, through meaningful, repeated actions children enjoy.
SPECIFIC AREA: Literacy
Laying the groundwork for reading, writing and storytelling
What you might be seeing:
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Vocabulary gaps (especially post-pandemic)
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Low engagement with books or storytime
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Struggles with phonics or word recall
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Limited comprehension in children with SEND or EAL
How signing helps:
Signs make key story words visual and memorable, increasing vocabulary retention and narrative structure understanding. BSL-integrated books make reading multi-sensory, so every child can access and enjoy stories.
SPECIFIC AREA: Mathematics
Helping children build early number sense and reasoning
What you might be seeing:
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Difficulty with early concepts like “more”, “less”, “big”, “small”
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Children not retaining number sequences
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EAL and SEND children struggling with abstract vocabulary
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Poor motor coordination impacting mark-making
How signing helps:
BSL supports maths through visual signs for quantity, size, and sequence. It makes abstract ideas concrete and memorable. Signing also supports rhythm and research shows that counting on fingers, at any age, supports number learning.
SPECIFIC AREA: Understanding the World
Exploring people, communities, cultures and the environment
What you might be seeing:
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Limited awareness of different ways people communicate
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Children unsure how to engage with peers who are different
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Curriculum lacking accessible inclusion tools
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Need for richer cultural and diverse representation
How signing helps:
Introducing BSL promotes inclusion, deaf awareness and respect for difference. Sign-supported stories highlight diverse abilities and help children understand that everyone communicates in their own way.
SPECIFIC AREA: Expressive Arts and Design
Encouraging creativity, expression and imagination
What you might be seeing:
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Children reluctant to join in with songs, rhymes, or movement games
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Difficulty remembering or sequencing action rhymes
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Limited expressive language during creative play
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Children watching but not participating in activities
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Frustration during creative tasks due to communication barriers or fine motor challenges
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How signing helps:
Signs make songs and creative play more inclusive and accessible, helping every child join in. The physical movements boost memory, confidence and develop motor skills. Children who sign during artistic activities can express themselves clearly, reducing frustration and building stronger connections with peers and staff.
Signing Toilet (12 months); signs for Early Years that meet the needs of young children learning to use the toilet – simply, quickly and clearly.
Speech and Language Support | Mixed ability classes | Behaviour | Neurodivergence
Sign Language Support for Teaching Challenges
| Challenge | How Rhyme & Sign Books Help | EYFS Area |
|---|---|---|
| Glue Ear & Temporary Hearing Loss (8 in 10 under 10) |
Visual and kinaesthetic cues support communication when hearing is impaired | Communication & Language, PSED |
| Children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing or with Auditory Processing Disorder* (*APD affects every child with an Autism diagnosis) |
BSL supports accessible communication, inclusion, and early understanding of language | Communication & Language, PSED, Understanding the World |
| Children with SEND / Speech Delay (1 in 5) |
Reinforces vocabulary, meaning, and emotional expression through signs | Communication & Language, PSED, Literacy |
| EAL / Multilingual Learners | Sign acts as a language bridge — reinforcing spoken language through visuals & actions | Communication & Language, Understanding the World |
| Inclusion & Belonging | Signing helps create accessible, emotionally safe spaces where every child can take part | PSED, Understanding the World |
| Differences & Diversity (Neurodiversity, Physical Differences) | Helps children understand and communicate about difference in positive, empowering ways | PSED, Understanding the World |
| Low Vocabulary & Language Gaps (esp. post-pandemic) | Repetition, rhyme, signs and stories boost vocabulary retention and usage | Communication & Language, Literacy |
| Behaviour linked to communication difficulties | Signing reduces frustration, supports expression and emotional regulation | PSED, Communication & Language |
| Lack of confidence with early literacy | Signing builds fine motor skills, memory, narrative structure and enjoyment of books | Literacy, Physical Development |
| Pressure to show measurable progress | Supports multiple ELGs including Language, Literacy, and PSED | All Prime Areas |
If you’re working with children who struggle with speech and language, EAL, low confidence, or SEND – all while trying to keep your lessons engaging, inclusive, and on track – you’re not alone.
The pressure to meet every need in one classroom is real, and it’s exhausting.
That’s why we’ve created a free overview to show how using simple British Sign Language strategies can support you.
Signing helps children follow instructions, boosts their vocabulary, and enables them to join in more confidently, all without adding to your workload.
Use signing for whole-class learning, small groups, for early interventions or reducing the attainment gap. Signing is a truly flexible, inclusive approach – and proven to work.
Download the overview and see how sign language can bring calm, clarity and connection to your classroom – one small change at a time.
