At Shotley Bridge Nursery School, we are proud to acknowledge British Sign Language (BSL) Week from 17th to 23rd March 2025. However, our commitment to BSL extends far beyond this designated week. We believe that celebrating BSL should be an ongoing practice, woven into the fabric of our daily interactions and learning environment.
Our Ongoing Commitment to BSL
In our nursery, we understand the significance of promoting BSL as a vital communication tool. We recognise that marking BSL Week as a one-off event can feel superficial. Instead, we strive to create an inclusive environment where all children can thrive, regardless of their communication needs.
All our team members have completed comprehensive BSL training, equipping them with the skills necessary to incorporate BSL into their daily interactions with children. This approach reflects our commitment to fostering confident communication within our setting. We believe that by using BSL regularly, we can create a more inclusive atmosphere where every child feels valued and understood.
Celebrating Best Practices
During BSL Week, we will focus on celebrating our ongoing best practices rather than arranging themed activities that could be perceived as tokenistic. Our goal is to showcase how we integrate BSL into our everyday routines and interactions.
Throughout the week, team members will record themselves demonstrating significant signs that are relevant to our nursery environment. These videos will be shared with our families and the wider community to highlight our everyday use of BSL and reinforce its importance in fostering inclusive communication.
We will also continue our daily interactions and opportunities incorporating BSL, such as:
- Storytime with Sign Language: Our practitioners will use BSL to sign key words and phrases while sharing a story. This not only enhances comprehension but also makes the stories more engaging for all children.
- Daily Greetings: Each day begins with a warm welcome where our team and children greet each other using signs. This simple practice sets a positive tone for the day and reinforces quality communication and engagement with all.
- Rhythms of the day: As a team we use signing, while supporting the children in their all important “Now” and “Next” as we acknowledge daily transitions, such as washing hands then go for our lunch. Such interactions offer clear communication while offering security and comfort of knowing what is happening or expected.
The Importance of Inclusive Communication
Our commitment to integrating BSL into our daily practices is not just about compliance; it is recognising the importance of creating an environment where all children feel included. By fostering an atmosphere of empathy and understanding, we help children develop essential social skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Learning BSL offers numerous benefits for all children, including:
- Enhanced Communication Skills: Exposure to sign language helps children improve their overall communication abilities, whether through spoken language or non-verbal cues.
- Cognitive Development: Engaging with sign language stimulates cognitive processes such as memory and visual-spatial awareness.
- Empathy and Understanding: Learning about different ways of communicating encourages children to be more empathetic towards others, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
A Message to Our Shotley Bridge Community
As we approach BSL Week, let’s remember that our commitment to inclusive communication should be celebrated every day. Whether you are new to BSL or have prior experience, there’s always more to learn and explore in the world of sign language.
We invite all families at Shotley Bridge Nursery School to join us in embracing British Sign Language throughout this week and beyond. Together, we can open new doors of communication for our little ones and contribute to a more inclusive society.
Let’s make BSL Week 2025 a truly meaningful celebration of language, inclusivity, and the joy of communication at Shotley Bridge Nursery School!
