Secondary Education Programme

Designed for SENCOs, class teachers and teaching assistants, the programme provides; training, practical strategies, differentiated resources created around the national curriculum and ongoing live support from our experts.

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Down Syndrome UK’s Secondary Education Programme is a flexible, online programme created and delivered by experts in supporting young people with Down syndrome. Designed for SENCos, class teachers and teaching assistants, the programme gives staff training, information, resources and ongoing support to help students with Down syndrome learn and thrive. Access includes three short training sessions with a certificate on completion, practical guidance booklets, curriculum-linked resources and regular live online support sessions with our team – all designed to fit around your school day.

With thanks...

The creation and launch of this programme was made possible through the fundraising efforts of Dave and Rachel from LTS Global Solutions. 

Free access to learning and support from sign-up

Training

Three recorded sessions, each around 35 minutes long. After each one, there's a short activity where you review and adapt what you already have in place, such as targets, lesson plans and communication supports.

Resources

A growing library of resources linked to the national curriculum. It includes simplified texts, vocabulary cards and questions set at a range of levels. There are also practical guidance booklets on adapting the curriculum and supporting literacy and numeracy.

Ongoing Support

You can join regular live online support sessions and bring your questions to our team. They have years of experience supporting students with Down syndrome in secondary schools. You can also post a question in your SEP chat group at any time and learn from other teachers, TAs and SENCos.

Certification

You'll receive a certificate once you've completed the course and access to our logos which you can use on your website.

Why choose us?

DSUK’s Secondary Education Programme (SEP) is designed and led by experts in their field. You’ll receive training, information, resources and ongoing support for secondary school staff working with students with Down syndrome. The programme covers key areas including adapting the curriculum, literacy, numeracy and communication. It helps staff build confidence and give students the right support in every lesson. It includes video training, practical guidance booklets and a growing library of curriculum-linked resources.

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Expert-led

Developed and delivered by Dr Becky Baxter in collaboration with a range of experts in their field.

Practical and flexible

Designed with busy staff in mind - short recorded sessions, available 24/7, with activities built around the plans and supports you already use.

Built around the curriculum

Ready-to-use resources linked to the national curriculum, including simplified texts, vocabulary cards and questions at a range of levels.

Ongoing support

We stay with you beyond the training - offering regular live sessions, a community chat group and new resources added all the time.

Dr Becky Baxter

This programme is designed and led by Dr. Rebecca Baxter, 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 school staff have access to relevant and up-to-date information from a range of experts in their field.

Our programme is rigorously grounded in the scientific understanding of the learning needs of children with Down syndrome. At the same time our services are firmly focused on practical advice designed to improve outcomes for children with Down syndrome in preschool settings.

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Dr Nicola O'Riordan

Dr Nicola O’Riordan is an education professional with a particular interest in inclusive teaching, child development, and evidence-informed practice. Her work at Downright Special focuses on supporting children and young people with Down syndrome and translating research into practical strategies for schools and classrooms. Dr O’Riordan is committed to developing engaging, accessible learning experiences that promote pupil achievement, independence, and wellbeing. Through her work, she advocates for high-quality education that enables all learners to reach their full potential.

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