They don’t know what they don’t know: Why Colleges/Schools must train their CSWs NOW

Deaf Umbrella
Aug 28
3 min read

In colleges/schools across the UK, Deaf students are arriving with ambition, talent, and everything they need to thrive, except, sometimes, the right support.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: many of the Communication Support Workers (CSWs) tasked with helping them succeed are doing so without the training they need. Not because they don’t care, not because they’re not trying, but because they don’t know what they don’t know.

Communication Support Worker training course

At Deaf Umbrella, we see this every day. Passionate CSWs flying solo in complex educational environments, relying on instinct, working hard, but without clear guidance or structured professional development. They’re doing their best. But is that really good enough?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t a finger-pointing exercise. Most CSWs are doing incredible work with the tools they’ve been given. The problem is, the tools aren’t always the right ones.

Being fluent in British Sign Language is not the same as being trained to support a Deaf student in education.

Real support requires so much more than signing. It’s about:

Understanding boundaries
Advocating without overstepping
Encouraging independence
Navigating academic language and institutional expectations
Working in partnership with tutors and course leads

Without this foundation, even the most well-meaning CSW can overstep, oversimplify, or unintentionally disempower a Deaf student.

And Deaf students notice. They feel it when support doesn’t quite land. They sense when their CSW is unsure. And over time, this disconnect doesn’t just affect grades; it chips away at confidence, belonging, and motivation.

There might be CSWs in your college/school who are unsure if they’re doing the job right. Who feel unsupported. Who’ve been given the responsibility, but not the roadmap.

And that’s a risk.

A risk to your Deaf students' education
A risk to staff wellbeing
A risk to your college/school’s reputation

When a Deaf student passes a course, we want to know they did it on their own merit, not because a CSW unknowingly stepped outside their role to “help”.

The fix? Train the CSWs. PROPERLY.

We’ve built a solution that works. And it’s already changing lives.

At Deaf Umbrella, we’ve developed an award-winning CPD-accredited course: Becoming a Professional CSW

It’s designed for working professionals, whether they’re new to the job or have years of experience, and it bridges the gap between qualification and real competence.

Here’s what one of our students said:

"I would definitely recommend this course to anyone, even those who have been working as a CSW for years. It really makes you look deeper into the role and gives you skills so you can continue to develop even after you’ve finished."

The course includes:

✔️ Understanding Deaf culture and communication nuance

✔️ Professional boundaries and expectations

✔️ How to encourage student independence

✔️ Navigating complex academic vocabulary and systems

✔️ Collaborating with tutors and classroom teams

✔️ Real-world problem-solving in the education setting

Investing in your CSWs means:

✅ Better student outcomes – Support that actually supports.

✅ Fewer complaints and less confusion – From both students and teaching staff.

✅ A stronger reputation – Demonstrate that your college/school is serious about inclusion.

✅ A workforce that feels confident, supported, and valued

This isn’t just training — it’s transformation.

Colleges/schools often hit the reset button in September. New students. New schedules. New energy.

But if CSWs walk in carrying the same old uncertainty, nothing changes.

That’s why now is the moment to act.

By starting training NOW, your support staff can hit the ground running in the new academic year, confident, prepared, and ready to offer the kind of support that actually works.

Ask us about our ‘Buy 6, Get 1 Free’ offer for educational environments.

Not Sure Where to Start? Grab Our Free Guide

We know not every college/school is ready to commit to full training right away. That’s why we’ve created a free, practical resource to help you take the first step.

👉 How to Support Deaf Students in Your College – The Role of CSWs in Inclusive Education

Inside, you’ll find:

✔️ What CSWs should and shouldn’t be doing

✔️ How to avoid creating dependency

✔️ Tips for building inclusive classroom teams

✔️ Best practices for Deaf student support

It’s designed for college/school leaders, coordinators, and anyone looking to improve the experience of Deaf students in further education.

Download it here: www.deafumbrella.com/ebook-colleges