Practical strategies to support physical development in your early years setting
Physical development in the early years is about far more than movement. It shapes how children explore, communicate and connect with the world around them.
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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, June 10, 2026 07:00 PM
For early years professionals. This webinar covers the importance of looking for patterns in behaviour, how to teach alternative replacement…
Latest Blogs
Supporting young children to build confidence with early number skills
This blog brings together practical, visual and play‑based strategies from our Early Years Development Programme to help you nurture early number learning with confidence.
Probiotics for children with Down syndrome – a parent’s guide to gut health, constipation and antibiotics
A practical parent guide to probiotics for children with Down syndrome. Learn about gut health, constipation, antibiotics, safety and choosing the right strains.
Helping children build early toileting skills with confidence: strategies for early years practitioners
June Rogers MBE, independent Paediatric Continence Specialist, shares practical strategies to help you feel confident supporting children with Down syndrome in your setting.
Stories which celebrate inclusion and kindness: recommended books for your school or nursery
Discover picture books and stories that feature children with Down syndrome, alongside simple ideas for using them in school and nursery classrooms.
Supporting visual learning for children with Down syndrome in early years settings
Learn how nursery and early years staff can support the visual learning needs of children with Down syndrome through simple, effective adaptations.
Supporting early reading in children with Down syndrome
Practical early reading strategies for children with Down syndrome. Learn how shared reading, whole-word approaches and clear print can build confidence and communication in early years settings.
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.
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.
