A NURSERY is teaching babies sign language to help them communicate with their parents. Longscroft Nursery School in Bradford on Avon is teaching babies signing using music and actions.

Sing and Sign teacher Alison Harper, 41, of the Common, Holt, whose 18-month-old son Connor attends the nursery, said: "We teach babies gestures before they can talk so they can tell you what they want."

Connor can use about 50 signs, which have become popular with some of the other babies since Mrs Harper showed the carers how to teach signing.

She said it has changed her relationship with her two sons.

"I knew what they were thinking about at such an incredibly young age so the way you look at them is different and it increases their self esteem.

"They start to initiate conversation with you and because they are using the signs in context you know what they mean.

"Longscroft is the first nursery in Wiltshire to start using baby signing in the baby and toddler room and some babies are already signing back.

"The staff Jenny, Alison and Condy use the actions, songs and nursery rhymes to help the babies learn."

Mrs Harper holds Sing and Sign classes in Holt Village Hall and can be contacted on (01225) 783737.