About Us

Signing Tots was set up and is run by Dawn Errington BSL Level 1. At first we only ran classes for parents and their children, but since then in addition to these we have trained many Childminders, Private nurseries, Pre-Schools and Surestart Centres through out the North East area.

Five years ago there was not a lot of information about “Baby Signing” so I taught my son Daniel the American Sign with your Baby programme when he was six months old. I was absolutely astounded when he could express himself to me at 10 mths his needs and wants. From there I studied and got my BSL 1 and Further Education teaching qualifications and set the business up in 2005.

I am now pleased to say that there is a lot more information for people that want to learn sign language with their children and I cannot advocate enough the benefits this fabulous expressive language gives us.

These are my boys and although Harry the eldest now six did not benefit from signing when he was a baby he certainly found the whole experience fun with his younger brother Daniel who I started signing with from six months . Harry learnt the signs too and It was lovely to watch them both talking & signing to each other.

By 12 months old Danny could sign to us that he wanted something to eat, drink, required more of something, needed a nappy change, a sleep and that certain items were hot. By 18 months Daniel had a signing vocabulary of over 50 signs and could understand 100 and we were still expanding them. This form of communicating has abeen a fantastic tool for me,and many other friends, parents & carers in helping us understand our little ones.

Signing Tots Licensee- Jules Baxter

Hi I,m Jules and qualified to BSL Level 2 and run classes in the County Durham area.

After attending lots of Signing Tots classes with my first son Louis I enjoyed them so much that I decided to give up my job when I was pregnant second time round and join Dawns team and put my skills to good use. Owning my own business that fits around the children whilst doing something I love is fab.

It was amazing for me to understand what Louis was signing to me at 10mths old, that he wanted his milk, an orange or he had seen a doggy was unbelievable, the frustration had gone and I could communicate back with him. Amazing!. Louis is now two and his speech is fantastic and we still sign to increase his signing vocabulary and he loves it as much as I do.

I now have baby Ollie and can,t wait for him to start signing with us too!