Definition
British Sign Language is the visual-gestural language used by the UK Deaf community. BSL is a fully formed language with its own grammar and word order, distinct from English, and was recognised as a language of England, Wales, and Scotland by the British Sign Language Act 2022.
In context for parents
Key checkpoints
- British Sign Language is the visual-gestural language used by the UK Deaf community.
- A fully formed language with its own grammar and word order, distinct from English.
- Recognised as a language of England, Wales, and Scotland by the British Sign Language Act 2022.
- Around 87,000 people in the UK use BSL as a first or preferred language.
- For deaf children using BSL as primary language, Section F should specify BSL-fluent CSW (Communication Support Worker) at the qualification level matching the child's BSL development.
BSL is a language, not an intervention. The BSL Act 2022 created a duty on UK government to promote and report on BSL provision and use, and gave statutory recognition that BSL is the first or preferred language of around 87,000 people in the UK who are Deaf (capital D, signalling cultural identification with the Deaf community).
For deaf children, the BSL question is often a family-language question. Families whose deaf child is born into a Deaf family with BSL as the home language will typically educate the child bilingually (BSL plus written English) and the school must support this. Families whose deaf child is born into a hearing English-speaking family face a choice: auditory-oral (with hearing technology and listening-and-spoken language teaching), Total Communication (signed-supported English plus speech), or bilingual BSL/English. The deaf education sector debates this; the choice is the family's.
The NDCS (National Deaf Children's Society) provides parent-facing guidance that does not push one approach. The CRIDE annual survey (2024) reported around 4,000 deaf pupils in England were reported by their school as using BSL, with a small subset using BSL as their primary language.
For school-side provision in BSL, what matters in Section F is a BSL-fluent Communication Support Worker (CSW) at the qualification level matching the child's BSL development (typically Level 3 to Level 6); BSL learning opportunities for the child where BSL is the primary language; and deaf adult role models where possible. The Roger / radio aid is typically not used for primary-BSL users.
Confusion to avoid: Makaton (signed-supported English) is not BSL. Makaton uses BSL-derived signs alongside speech in English word order; BSL is a distinct language with its own grammar.
Related terms
The terms parents most often see alongside British Sign Language.
Hearing Impairment(HI)
Reduced hearing that affects access to spoken language and learning. Provision is usually supported by a Qualified Teacher of the Deaf (QToD) and may include British Sign Language.
Makaton
A language programme using signs and symbols alongside speech to support children and adults with communication, language, or learning difficulties.
Where parents ask about this
Parents usually find this page when a deaf child's family-language choice is being made, when a school is providing Makaton or signed English instead of BSL for a BSL-primary child, or when CSW provision is being negotiated. Searches include "BSL in mainstream school", "CSW Section F EHCP", and "is Makaton BSL". A Beaakon QToD or BSL-fluent specialist can advise on the right communication approach for your child, write Section F to specify BSL provision and CSW level, and support the Section I conversation.
References
The primary legislation, statutory guidance, research, and clinical tools this page draws on.