FAQs for primary school
Answers to common questions about supporting a pupil with Down syndrome in primary school, from visual teaching and routines to friendships and home-school links. A quick reference for teachers and support staff.
Numeracy information sheet: 1 more and 1 less
Step-by-step guidance for primary staff on teaching 1 more and 1 less to a pupil with Down syndrome, using number lines, number cards and clear vocabulary to build understanding.
Name writing: information sheet for primary teachers
Step-by-step ideas for primary staff to help pupils with Down syndrome learn to write their name, starting with matching letters and building up through small steps and repetition.
Othello: simplified complete play pack
A simplified version of Othello at functional skills level 1, with multiple choice questions for each section. Helps secondary staff support students with Down syndrome to understand the play and its themes.
Moving past CVC words: information sheet for primary teachers
Guidance for primary staff on when and how to move pupils with Down syndrome from c-v-c words to longer words, breaking blending and segmenting into small steps with plenty of repetition.
Letter formation and drawing: information sheet for primary teachers
Advice for primary staff on teaching letter formation one letter group at a time, with daily practice and progress records, to help pupils with Down syndrome build early handwriting skills.
Starting school: guide for primary schools
A guide for schools welcoming a pupil with Down syndrome, covering getting to know the child, home visits and preparing staff. Helps primary teams feel confident and ready to support a positive start.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: simplified complete play pack
A simplified, scene-by-scene version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at functional skills level 2, for secondary staff to help students with Down syndrome follow the story and take part in English lessons.
Getting started with sight words: information sheet for primary teachers
Guidance for primary staff on finding out what sight words a pupil already knows and teaching sight words alongside phonics, building on a common strength for pupils with Down syndrome.
Teacher toolkit: teaching reading
Explains why reading is often a strength for pupils with Down syndrome and how to start with whole word recognition. Helps primary staff plan reading teaching that builds on visual learning.