The Down Syndrome team’s primary aim is to promote the successful inclusion and progress of CYP with Down syndrome. They take user research-led, evidence-based approaches to achieve their personal best. The team works in partnership with settings, parents and other agencies.

Down Syndrome Team support

The Specialist Down Syndrome team support students in their academic and personal growth with:

• SENDCOs
• class teachers
• teaching assistants and professionals

The team support children and young people with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan, enrol in mainstream schools. They also support CYP in the year before they transition into school.

At the beginning of each academic year, the team aim to hold a planning meeting with school staff to identify the priorities for support for the coming year. After this the team makes regular visits to support the school and offer ongoing advice.

Support from the team may include: 

• Advice on the profile of learning for Down syndrome
• Training for setting-based staff and other professionals
• Learning Support Assistants / Teaching Assistants Liaison Sessions (3x per year)
• Classroom observations to inform inclusive practice
• Support to access the National Curriculum, including differentiation and assessment
• Modelling strategies for learning and use of resources
• Monitoring progress
• Advice on managing the learning environment
• Working with the child or young person as appropriate
• Advice and support for transition
• Contribution to Annual Review meetings and EHCP updates
• Supporting social skills and communication and interaction
• Liaison with other professional services, agencies and with parents/carers if required
• Support with home-school liaison
• Loan of equipment and resources
• Advice on the use and maintenance of specialist equipment and materials
• Input into SEND plans and multi-agency working through co-production
• Support for schools in using evidence-based learning strategies for reading
• Promoting Independence