School resources for Down syndrome awareness month | Down Syndrome UK

October Awareness Month - School Resources

Welcome to our collection of school resources designed to help children learn about inclusion, diversity and kindness.

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These resources are grouped by key stage so you can easily find the right activities for your class. Scroll down to explore the packs for EYFS, KS1, Lower KS2 and Upper KS2, as well as a selection of resources suitable for all levels.

EYFS

Activity Pack

An early years activity pack with creative ideas, stories and games to help children celebrate individuality.

The Wise Elephant Story

A jungle tale about a tortoise who feels left out until a wise elephant shows that the best games are the ones everyone can play.

Images and Masks

Printable masks and character images from The Wise Elephant story, perfect for classroom role play and creative activities.

KS1

KS1 Presentation Slides

A KS1 slide presentation introducing Down syndrome, celebrating diversity, and exploring inclusion, friendship, respect and aspirations through interactive class activities.

Presentation Teacher Notes

Teacher notes to accompany the KS1 slides, with guidance, curriculum links and activity ideas to support lessons on inclusion, friendship and aspirations.

PSHE Task - Friendships & Aspirations

Printable PSHE worksheets for KS1 with prompts on pride, friendship and inclusion to support class discussions and activities.

The Wise Elephant Story

A jungle tale about a tortoise who feels left out until a wise elephant shows that the best games are the ones everyone can play.

English Task

A KS1 English task sheet inviting children to create a list poem about friendship and what it means to them.

Art Task 1

A KS1 art activity encouraging children to explore colour and pattern by filling a page with creative designs that celebrate difference.

Art Task 2

A KS1 art activity where children create a collaborative artwork using words that describe what makes a good friend.

KS2

Lower KS2 Slides

A Lower KS2 slide presentation exploring Down syndrome, diversity and stereotypes, with activities on aspirations, rights, pride and inclusion across PSHE, English, art and music.

Upper KS2 Slides

An Upper KS2 slide presentation on Down syndrome and inclusion, exploring diversity, stereotypes, rights and equality, with activities across PSHE, English, art and music.

Lower KS2 Teaching Notes

Teacher notes to accompany the Lower KS2 slides, with curriculum links and guidance for leading activities on awareness, aspirations, friendship, rights, art, music and research.

Upper KS2 Teaching Notes

Teacher notes to accompany the Upper KS2 slides, with curriculum links and structured guidance for lessons on awareness, aspirations, pride, rights, art, music and research.

PSHE Task

Printable KS2 PSHE worksheets with prompts on aspirations, pride and rights, designed to support class reflection and discussion activities.

English Task 1

A KS2 English task where children write a short story to teach younger pupils about acceptance, inclusion, diversity and respect, using simple characters and clear messages.

English Task 2

A KS2 English task where children choose from different scenarios to write a letter about inclusion, diversity and equality, considering audience, purpose and persuasive techniques.

Art Task 1

A KS2 art activity inviting children to experiment with colour and pattern, then add words or quotes celebrating difference, diversity, acceptance and inclusion.

Art Task 2

Children design a word-based artwork using key themes such as inclusion, respect, diversity and acceptance, experimenting with style, size and colour.

Music Task

A KS2 music activity where children create and perform a song about inclusion, diversity and respect, using repetition, rhyme and emotive language, with the option to add Makaton signs.

Research Task

A KS2 research activity where children investigate an inspirational person or group linked to inclusion, diversity and aspirations, presenting their findings in a format of their choice.

Additional Resources

Guidance on Language

Guidance document on using accurate, respectful language when talking about Down syndrome, with clear examples of preferred terms and phrases to avoid.

Display Banner

A bright, colourful banner featuring children and the message Proud to be celebrating October – Down Syndrome Awareness Month, designed for display.

Display Pack Info & Images

An information and image pack for display, with simple explanations about Down syndrome and positive messages showing that children with Down syndrome are unique individuals – just like all children.

About Us Flyer

An About Us flyer introducing Down Syndrome UK, highlighting our mission, key initiatives and showcasing our services.

School Poster

Providing clear, accessible information about Down syndrome, emphasising individuality and explaining how you can welcome children with Down syndrome.

Fundraising Ideas

A fundraising ideas guide with fun, simple activities such as raffles, dress-up days, bake sales and sponsored walks to help raise money for Down Syndrome UK.

Fundraising Pack

A fundraising resource pack with posters, bunting templates and practical tools to support events, along with information on how donations help families and how to send in funds raised.