Dear future SENCO

You may worry that my son will be a burden.
You may wonder if he will cope, and indeed, if you will cope.
You may fear that his needs will be too great.

I understand those worries — but let me tell you what I know.
My son is not a burden.
He is not an add-on.
He is a student with Down syndrome, and he belongs in your school.

He will not let your school down — in fact, he will make you proud.
I trust you will see what I see: his determination, his humour, his ability to surprise you.

Inclusion can feel daunting, but it works — with the right knowledge, the right support, and the right attitude. It starts with communication, collaboration, and a willingness to understand his learning needs deeply. Understanding means more than awareness; it means knowing how he learns and adapting teaching so he can succeed.

The Down syndrome learning profile has been documented for decades, including visual learning, structured teaching, concrete language, extra time to process and errorless learning. These are not optional extras; they are essential tools that allow him to access the curriculum. Errorless learning is not “cheating.” He learns best when he experiences success, not repeated failure. This is not my opinion — it is evidence-based practice.

You may worry about social inclusion. I know this can be hard for him — it is part of him having Down syndrome, not a personal failing. So, if you notice he has no friends, please don’t just report it. Help him to build friendships, confidence, and belonging. Inclusion is not passive; it requires intentional action.

The good news is this: you don’t have to do this alone. Training exists. Guidance exists. Many mainstream schools successfully teach secondary students with Down syndrome. They are included. They learn. They gain relevant qualifications. They succeed.

All I hope for is a SENCo who is willing to listen, willing to collaborate, and willing to believe in what our children can achieve when they are understood.

Please believe this:
My son deserves to be at your school.
He deserves to be included.
He can learn.
He can thrive.

Imagine what we can all achieve together.
Imagine a school where every child belongs, where difference is celebrated, and where learning is tailored so every student can thrive.