Communication Support for the deaf

Our Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners provides learning support practitioners and Communication Support Workers (CSWs) with all the knowledge they need to fulfil their roles effectively.

Whether you work in an FE college, adult and community learning centre, or are partaking in work-based training in a voluntary, community, private, or public organisation, this qualification will equip you with specialist skills to enhance your learning.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is suitable for anyone who works — or wishes to work — as a Communication Support Worker (CSW) to Deaf learners in schools, colleges, universities, and any other educational institution.

The duties of this role typically include:

• Working alongside other professionals, such as Teachers of the Deaf (TODs), Speech and Language Therapists (SALTs), and Audiologists.
• Supporting Deaf learners by enabling communication between spoken English and BSL, as well as notetaking and lip speaking.
• Supporting Deaf learners with understanding and producing written material in class.
• Adapting learning materials so that Deaf learners can understand them better.
• Suggesting ways that the learning environment can be improved to enhance the learning of Deaf people with hearing aids or lip reading.

Essential requirements

• Age: This qualification is suitable for learners aged 19 or above.
• English: Candidates must have English at a minimum of Level 2.
• BSL: Candidates must have a minimum of Level 2 BSL, but Level 3 BSL is most desirable. We recommend that anyone working in a BSL-focused environment obtain Level 3 alongside this qualification.
• Initial assessment: Candidates are encouraged to complete an initial assessment before starting the course to evaluate their BSL skills and minimum core skills in language, literacy, numeracy, and ICT.

Qualification objectives

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

1. Provide a sound educational basis for supporting Deaf learners in various contexts within the lifelong learning sector.
2. Develop the necessary knowledge, skills, and attributes required to support Deaf people.
3. Promote your personal and professional learning development.
4. Enhance your evaluation and reflection skills in communication support practice.

Qualification structure

The Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners consists of eight units. All eight of these units must be completed to achieve the certificate.

The qualification will begin with the introductory unit — Preparing to Support Learning. 

See this course’s full qualification specifications.

Suggested duration

See the table below for the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.

Please Note: Guided learning hours include assessment time, and additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.

Progression routes

Once you have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners, you may wish to progress onto a range of further qualifications, such as:

• Signature Level 3 Award in Insights into Communication with Congenitally Deafblind People
• Signature Level 3 NVQ Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• Signature Level 6 NVQ Certificate in British/Irish Sign Language
• Signature Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting
• Signature Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Translation

This qualification will equip you with the skills to identify and modify complex English structures, ensuring that written materials are accessible for Deaf learners without altering their original and intended meaning.

Who is this qualification for?

Our Level 3 Award in Modifying Written English Texts for Deaf People is designed for professionals who already — or wish to — support Deaf individuals in accessing written English.

Ideal for those working in educational settings, community organisations, or any similar environment as a trainee teacher, communication support worker, or support staff.

Essential requirements

• Age: This qualification is suitable for learners aged 19 or above.
• English: Candidates should have a qualification showing sound knowledge and command of English. Please get in touch with our team to discuss your qualifications. We recommend taking the Level 2 Functional Skills English Assessment for candidates without an English qualification.

• BSL: Candidates must have a minimum of Level 2 BSL, but Level 3 BSL is most desirable. We recommend that anyone working in a BSL-focused environment obtain Level 3 alongside this qualification.
  

• Initial assessment: We encourage candidates to complete an initial assessment before starting the course. This will ensure your BSL skills and minimum core skills in language, literacy, numeracy, and ICT are up to this qualification’s standard.

Qualification objectives

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

1. Develop an understanding of English structures and discourse that may present challenges for Deaf readers.
2. Identify linguistic elements that require modification to improve accessibility without altering meaning.
3. Modify written English texts to enhance clarity and comprehension for Deaf readers.
4. Apply techniques to ensure that modified texts retain their original intent and message.

Qualification structure

The Level 3 Award in Modifying Written English Texts for Deaf People consists of two units. Both units must be completed to achieve the award.

We recommend that learners complete K318 before T303. K318 is a theory unit, and T303 builds upon the knowledge learnt using practical skills in English language modification.

See this course’s full qualification specifications.

Suggested duration

See the table below for the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification. 

Please Note: Guided learning hours include assessment time, and additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.

Professional Routes

Upon completion of the Level 3 Award in Modifying Written English Texts for Deaf People, candidates may wish to progress to: 

• Level 3 Certificate in Communication Support for Deaf Learners

Unit K318 is also a part of this qualification.

The Level 3 Certificate in Professional Communication Support equips learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively support Deaf individuals in educational and training settings, focusing on inclusive communication, British Sign Language, and practising learner-centred support.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is designed for individuals who currently work, or wish to work, as Communication Support Workers supporting Deaf learners in educational environments. 

It is ideal for learning support practitioners employed in further education colleges, adult and community learning centres, work-based learning settings, or training providers.

Essential requirements 

• Age: Learners must be aged 19 or over to enrol on this qualification.
• English: A minimum of Level 2 in English is required to undertake this course.
• BSL: A minimum of Level 2 in British Sign Language (BSL) is essential. Level 3 BSL is strongly recommended, especially for those working in BSL-rich environments. Learners without Level 3 BSL at entry are encouraged to study it concurrently with the qualification.
• Initial Assessment: An initial assessment must be conducted before starting the course. This will evaluate BSL skill and Literacy, numeracy, and ICT competencies. These core skills, while not assessed as part of the qualification, however, are essential for working effectively as a Communication Support Worker.

Qualification objectives

By the end of this qualification, you will be able to:

1. Provide effective communication support for Deaf learners across a wide range of educational and training settings.
2. Demonstrate knowledge, skills, and attributes essential to a CSW role.
3. Engage in self-evaluation and professional development to enhance your own practice.
4. Support inclusive, accessible, and independent learning.
5. Work with other professionals to meet learners’ communication and educational needs.

Qualification structure

To achieve the full certificate, learners must complete all eight mandatory units, totalling 36 credits and 330 total learning hours. These include:

K311 – Prepare to Support Learning

K312 – Learning Support in Lifelong Learning Contexts 

K313 – Principles of Learning Support 

K314 – Supporting Learning 

K315 – Reflective Journal 

K316 – Supporting Bilingual Access 

K317 – Clear Speech and Note Taking 

K318 – Accessible English for Deaf and Deafblind People 

Suggested duration

The total qualification time is 330 hours, including 190 guided learning hours and 140 hours of additional self-directed study. This typically includes:

• Classroom-based instruction
• Tutorials and assessor feedback
• Practical learning support experience (minimum of 40 hours, including at least 4 observed sessions)

The course is typically delivered part-time but may be offered in a full-time ‘fast-track’ format, provided sufficient time is allocated for reflection and development. Centres may adapt the delivery mode to suit candidates’ work patterns and support commitments.

Qualification aim

This qualification is designed is to provide those who are working or training as interpreters with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills in order to effectively fulfil the role.

Qualification objectives

At the end of this qualification candidates will be able to:

• demonstrate good practice in their area of professional activity
• demonstrate their ability to carry out interpreting assignments to a professional standard
• be fully aware of the role of the professional interpreter and the principles of professional practice
• evaluate and reflect on performance
• promote personal and professional development.

Qualification structure

To be awarded a Level 6 NVQ Diploma in Sign Language Interpreting candidates must achieve five units in total (four mandatory units and one optional) in order to be awarded the full qualification. Candidates will provide proof of their interpreting competence against the National Occupational Standards by compiling a portfolio of evidence covering the five chosen units. Signature approved centre internally assess and verifiy all units. External quality assurance is provided by Signature.

This qualification consists of five units. Four are mandatory: candidates choose one of the two optional units

Suggested duration

The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.

Guided learning hours include assessment time.

Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.

Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.

Essential requirements

Candidates are expected to have language competence in both languages for which they provide evidence for this qualification. This should be:

• the equivalent of Level 6 in their first language. At Level 6, candidates can understand and use complex and specialised language*. Candidates can deal with all work situations, both within and outside candidates’ area of professional expertise
• the equivalent of Level 6 in the second language. At Level 6, candidates can understand and use complex language and express themselves fluently. Candidates can deal confidently with most work situations.

It is the responsibility of the Signature approved centres to ensure that the above languages requirements have been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.

Progression routes

On successful completion of this qualification candidates can apply to become a NRCPD Registered Sign Language Interpreter. For further information about registration requirements please visit the NRCPD website.

Qualification aim

This qualification is designed to provide those who are working or training as translators with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills in order to effectively fulfil the role.

Qualification objectives

At the end of this qualification candidates will be able to:

• demonstrate good practice in their area of professional activity
• be fully aware of the role of the professional translator and the principles of professional practice
• evaluate and reflect on performance
• be aware of own capabilities/limitations and develop skills where appropriate
• promote personal and professional development.

Qualification structure

To be awarded a Level 6 Diploma in Sign Language Translation candidates must achieve five units in total in order to be awarded the full qualification. Candidates will provide proof of their translation competence against the National Occupational Standards by compiling a portfolio of evidence covering the five units. Signature approved centres internally assess and verify all units. External quality assurance is provided by Signature.

This qualification consists of five mandatory units.

Suggested duration

The following table details the recommended learning hours required to achieve this qualification.

Guided learning hours include assessment time.

Additional study hours include private study, homework, practice, etc.

Signature approved centres will deliver this qualification over agreed timescales.

Essential requirements

Candidates are expected to have language competence in both/all languages for which they provide evidence for this qualification. This should be:

• the equivalent of at least Level 6 in their first language. At Level 6, candidates can understand and use complex and specialised language. Candidates can deal confidently with most work situations, both within and outside candidates’ area of professional expertise
• the equivalent of Level 6 in the second language. At Level 6, candidates can understand anduse complex language and express themselves fluently. Candidates can deal confidently with most work situations.

It is the responsibility of the Signature approved centres to ensure that the above languages requirements have been met before accepting a candidate for this qualification.

Target group

This qualification is appropriate for people already working in the field of translation. This will be people working mainly in the media or web interface but may also be in a number of other areas where translation fr om English to BSL is required.

Progression routes

On successful completion of this qualification candidates can apply to become a NRCPD Registered Sign Language Translator. For further information about registration requirements please visit the NRCPD website.