Good practice guidelines for primary schools
A guide for primary practitioners on what Down syndrome is, the learning profile, health and wellbeing, and how to help a child with Down syndrome make progress, including using Makaton or Signalong.
Advice for professionals working in primary schools
Practical advice from advisory visits for primary staff, covering seating, the role of the supporting adult, pre-teaching and visual prompts to help children with Down syndrome learn alongside peers.
Will you play? cards
A printable sentence strip with picture cards of games and activities, helping a pupil ask a friend to play by choosing who and what, to support play and communication at break times.
Target setting: information sheet for primary teachers
Guidance for primary staff on setting SMART targets that capture the small steps pupils with Down syndrome make, linked to the EHCP, so progress can be tracked and celebrated.
Developing independence: information sheet for primary teachers
Ideas for primary staff on stepping back and setting tasks at the right level so pupils with Down syndrome have regular chances to work independently from reception onwards.
Managing behaviour: information sheet for primary teachers
Guidance for primary staff on setting clear, consistent expectations, understanding the reasons behind behaviour and adapting the class system so pupils with Down syndrome can follow it.
Working in the classroom: information sheet for primary teachers
General guidance for teachers and teaching assistants on working together in lessons, so the teacher stays responsible for the pupil’s learning and support helps rather than separates.
Transitions between activities: information sheet for primary teachers
Practical ways for primary staff to make moving from one activity to another clearer and calmer for pupils with Down syndrome, such as visual cues and planning for tricky moments.
Transition to a new class: information sheet for primary teachers
Guidance on planning a pupil’s move to a new class, including who leads the transition, staff training and preparation, to help pupils with Down syndrome settle with new adults.
Supporting listening times: information sheet for primary teachers
Explains why long spoken input can be hard for pupils with Down syndrome and gives primary staff practical ways to make carpet and listening times more visual and accessible.