Kids with sign language signs

Swing, Slide, Sign! Why Kids Are Learning BSL in Council Playgrounds

Children at playgrounds around Leeds are being encouraged to learn sign language as new fun educational boards are installed.

Funded by the National Deaf Children's Society, two boards have been put up at 10 playgrounds, showcasing the British Sign Language (BSL) fingerspelling alphabet and a selection of helpful words when playing.

Early years can have a profound impact on deaf children’s language and social skills and the aim is that the signs will improve and encourage interaction between all children through playful interaction in the playgrounds.

The grant was awarded as part of a scheme funding community projects that support the communication skills of deaf children.

Bryony Hughes runs Leeds Deaf Children’s Society, which is affiliated with the National Deaf Children's Society, and was the one to apply for the grant.

She said: “We needed to use the money to improve the communication skills of local deaf children and we thought that putting the signs in parks was a way that we could reach as many families across Leeds as possible

“The aim is that if more people, deaf and hearing, learn some basic BSL then it improves the skills of all involved, and also helps deaf people feel less isolated.”

“Our son is profoundly deaf and wears cochlear implants. When he’s not wearing them, we sign with him and it’s important that he has an additional way of communicating with us, and also with other deaf people.”

The sign language boards have been installed in children’s play areas at Pudsey Park, Horsforth Hall Park, Bramley Park, Yeadon Tarnfield Park, Stanningley Park, Springhead Park Rothwell, Heritage Village, Blands Avenue Allerton Bywater, Cross Flatts Park, and East End Park.

Fingerspelling Alphabet

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, and Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “The new signs are a great improvement to the playgrounds, encouraging interaction between all children, deaf and hearing. Learning basic BSL is useful to any person and we’re hoping that this will reach many local families and help them learn a new language.

“We work hard to be a child friendly city and it is important that all children feel represented and included in spaces designed for them.”

Angela Calder, of the National Deaf Children’s Society’s Community Grants programme, said: “This was a great idea from Leeds Deaf Children’s Society. We hope the new signs get people talking about British Sign Language and even using a few basic signs. It’s a really powerful way of helping deaf children feel more included.

“Our Community Grants programme is all about initiatives like this – enabling groups and communities all around the UK to make a real, tangible difference on the ground, helping deaf children and young people feel part of their communities.”

Image credits: Leeds City Council

i134

Public Sector Executive Magazine

NORTHERN ARC: Linked by a Liverpool-Manchester Railway could match Oxford-Cambridge growth potential

Dive into our latest issue! 

More articles...

View all
Online conferences

Presenting

2025 Online Conferences

In partnership with our community of public sector leaders responsible for procurement and strategy across local authorities and the wider public sector, we’ve devised a collaborative calendar of conferences and events for leaders of industry to listen, learn and collaborate through engaging and immersive conversation.

All our conferences are CPD accredited, which means you can gain points to advance your career by attending our online conferences. Also, the contents are available on demand so you can re-watch at your convenience.

Public Sector Executive Podcast

Listen to industry leaders on everything within the public sector

From government policies and public administration to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, we explore the challenges and innovations shaping our communities.

 

Join us as we speak with industry leaders, policymakers, and frontline professionals, providing you with valuable insights and perspectives to stay informed and engaged with the issues that matter most.