Promoting positive behaviour in young children with Down syndrome
Discover practical, evidence-based approaches to support positive behaviour, communication and learning for young children with Down syndrome in early years settings.
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Early Years Education Professionals
Our support is designed to give early years professionals practical tools, tailored training, and expert advice to help young children with Down syndrome thrive.
At Down Syndrome UK, we know that early support can make a lasting difference. That’s why we work closely with early years practitioners, settings and SEND teams to provide practical, evidence-informed support that helps children with Down syndrome to thrive from the very beginning.
Whether you’re a key person, SENCo, childminder or nursery manager, our resources and training are designed with you in mind.
Meet the experts
Dr Becky Baxter
Dr. Becky Baxter is the Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy at Down Syndrome UK. With over 15 years of experience working with schools and families, Becky has successfully supported hundreds of children with Down syndrome of all ages across a range of education settings. Becky has worked collaboratively with experienced professionals across areas of education and health to develop the programme, ensuring early years staff have access to relevant and up-to-date information from a range of experts in their field.
Sarah Holton
Sarah is our Specialist Advisory Teacher and leads our Early Years Development Programme sessions. She is a qualified teacher with 18 years of primary teaching experiences, specialising in supporting children with Down syndrome. Since 2013 Sarah has managed and delivered a Down syndrome specialist outreach service for Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Sarah delivers training for professionals and parents on a variety of topics as well as running education workshops for pupils.
Events & Training
Monthly sessions
This two-hour online session introduces Early Years staff to the Makaton language programme, teaching approximately 40 signs and symbols (including…
Wed, January 28, 2026 07:00 PM
The session will focus on the importance of working on speech, language, and communication in the early years. It will cover…
Latest Blogs
Supporting Speech, Language and Communication in Early Years settings
Discover practical strategies to support speech, language and communication in early years settings for children with Down syndrome. Learn tips for building vocabulary, promoting speech, and encouraging social interaction.
Supporting children with Down syndrome in early years settings: understanding learning strengths and challenges
Discover practical strategies for supporting children with Down syndrome in nursery and EYFS settings. Learn how to use visuals, adapt routines, build speech and language skills, and create inclusive environments where every child can thrive.
How Down Syndrome UK supports education: Early years, primary schools and parents
Discover Down Syndrome UK’s education services for nurseries and schools, plus support for parents, behaviour and communication.
10 tips to help a child with Down syndrome settle into nursery
Discover practical strategies to support children with Down syndrome in settling into nursery. From preparation and communication to routines and social interaction, these tips help create a smooth and positive transition.
How to support a child with Down syndrome in nursery: Practical tips and funding help for professionals
Discover practical strategies and funding guidance for nurseries supporting children with Down syndrome, including SENIF, DAF and training resources.
Laxatives for children with Down syndrome: a complete parent’s guide
Essential guide for parents managing constipation in children with Down syndrome. Learn about different types of laxatives, proper dosages, and safe administration methods from healthcare professionals.
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.
Toilet training in 4 steps: challenging readiness myths
Discover our proven 4-step toilet skill development programme that challenges common readiness myths. Expert guidance from June Rogers MBE on toilet training for children with Down syndrome.
