Class Acts: More Young People Than Ever With Down Syndrome Thriving In Mainstream Schools

Ahead of National Learning Disabilities Week (16th – 22nd June), national charity Down Syndrome UK (DSUK) is celebrating the fact that more children with Down syndrome than ever before are thriving in mainstream education.

According to recent research, 65% of pupils with Down syndrome now attend mainstream schools. It’s a huge increase from 30 years ago when just 38% of children with Down syndrome attended mainstream schools.

This is partly due to increased inclusion policies and legislation outlawing discrimination. But it’s also because parents increasingly want their child to have a mainstream education at their local school of choice, backed by evidence that has shown that with the right support, children with Down syndrome can thrive there.

Leanne Constable, from South Wales, is mum to Parker, four, who has Down syndrome. She says that inclusion in mainstream education for her son is not just vitally important; it’s a fundamental right. She explains: “Parker, like every other child, deserves the chance to learn, grow and thrive alongside his peers in the same classrooms, playgrounds and communities. Parker has already shown how capable and engaged he is through his participation in the early years development program created by DSUK, proving that with the right tools and environment, he can flourish.

“Being in a mainstream setting offers Parker vital opportunities for social connection, language development and real-world learning experiences that can’t be replicated in a segregated environment. Inclusive education isn’t about making children ‘fit in’ – it’s about making sure every child belongs. And Parker deserves to belong.”

DSUK believes the rise of children like Parker being educated in mainstream schools proves that with the right tools, inclusion works. However, it wants more training to be provided to educators, as currently, teachers and teaching assistants do not receive any statutory training on Down syndrome.

There are approximately 40,000 people with Down syndrome in the UK, including some 8,000 under 18s. Recent studies found 88% of parents believe schools would benefit from Down syndrome-specific training. But according to the latest research, of those working with pupils with Down syndrome, more than half of the teachers (53%) and almost a third of teaching assistants (31%) had not received any Down syndrome-specific training.

Plus, not everyone in the education system is equipped or funded to help specific minority groups under the umbrella of learning disabilities and special educational needs (SEN), such as those with Down syndrome.

So, as well as supporting parents, DSUK has also been developing services to provide ongoing support to educators to ensure children with Down syndrome can thrive

DSUK recently released two online programmes designed for educators. Its Early Years Development Programme ensures those working with pre-school children with Down syndrome are equipped with the knowledge to aid development tailored to the learning profile of a young child with Down syndrome. Meanwhile, the Primary Education Programme offers training, information, resources and ongoing support for school staff to successfully support pupils with Down syndrome in primary school.

Both programmes are available nationwide to any early years or primary educational facility for a nominal charge to ensure every child receives the best possible education.

In a short space of time, both schemes have proved hugely successful, so to build on the momentum, DSUK is currently developing a Secondary Education Programme to support the next stage of inclusive education. It is fundraising to develop this vital new resource here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ltsglobalsolutionssecondaryeducation

Kelly Toshak is deputy headteacher at Rhws Primary School, near Cardiff, which has adopted DSUK’s Primary Education Programme. She said: “Being part of the Primary Education Programme over the last year has given us access to a wide variety of resources and professional learning opportunities to give staff a deeper understanding of how we can support young learners who have Down syndrome. It is reassuring to know that we have a point of contact that we can go to for advice and support if we need it.”

Founder and CEO of DSUK Nicola Enoch’s son Tom has Down syndrome. He attended both mainstream primary and secondary school successfully, due in part to having a strong education, health and care plan which included fortnightly visits from an external specialist teacher who had been trained in educating children with Down syndrome.

Enoch added: “Schools often don’t have the specialist knowledge or support they need when it comes to children with Down syndrome. However, every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive alongside their peers, regardless of their abilities or differences. Inclusion not only benefits children with Down syndrome but enriches the entire educational community, fostering empathy, understanding and a culture of acceptance.

“So this Learning Disabilities Week, we’re encouraging any early learning or primary setting to please access our training if they don’t already have specialist knowledge of teaching children with Down syndrome – so that every child’s educational potential is realised and they go on to be happy, capable, well-rounded adults as a result.”

For more information about DSUK and its Early Years Development Programme and Primary Education Programme, visit https://downsyndromeuk.co.uk/education-professionals/

Contact: jo.willcox@downsyndromeuk.co.uk

Or call: 07892 380643

Case studies of parents, children and educators helped by DSUK’s Early Years Development Programme and Primary Education Programme are available on request.

About Down Syndrome UK

Down Syndrome UK is a parent-led national charity dedicated to empowering families and supporting children with Down syndrome from the very start. We provide honest, up-to-date information and practical guidance to help parents navigate their child’s journey – from early years

through education and beyond. Our science-backed training programmes and tailored resources give families and professionals the tools they need to help every child flourish, thrive and live their best life. To learn more, visit www.downsyndromeuk.co.uk.

Press release written by Jane Austen of Persuasion Communications.