Starting School

For children with Down syndrome starting school in September 2024.

We’re committed to equipping education professionals with the tools, resources, and support they need to create inclusive classrooms where every child feels valued, successful and empowered. Through collaboration, advocacy, and sharing best practices, we strive to build a world where diversity is celebrated, barriers are dismantled, and every child’s potential is realised.

Advice for professionals

A handy insight sharing tips and advice, from a highly experienced specialist advisory teacher around supporting and promoting inclusion for pupils in a primary school.

Do take a read of our Best Practice Guidelines which provide background reading, along with sharing best practice, busting myths and signposting to useful resources.

Starting school guide

Download our ‘Starting School Guide’ a very practical resource for all teaching professionals welcoming a pupil with Down syndrome to their primary school.

Why not download our ‘This is Me’ template for parents to give their primary school a snapshot of their child!

EHCP Support

EHCP online support groups – Our EHCP Supporter Justine, is on hand to provide information and support around applying for and checking EHCPs in our closed Facebook groups.

EHCP drop-in service – we offer half-hour 1:1 telephone sessions with Justine – these sessions are for DSUK families with a child in England who would value 1:1 support. You can discuss a specific question or key concern around the EHCP process during the session. After booking, Justine will contact you to arrange a suitable day and time for the session – please allow half an hour for the session.

EHCP draft review service – Justine will fully review the draft EHCP and professional reports, followed by a call of up to 2 hours to share feedback. During this call, Justine will run through the EHCP with you to ensure you understand any issues with the draft so that you can put your parent representations effectively to the Local Authority. After booking, Justine will contact you to arrange a suitable day and time for your session – please allow up to two hours for the call.

Teacher Toolkit

This new toolkit aims to provide parents and practitioners with insight, advice and tips around specific topics.

Frequently asked questions for primary school

In March 2023 we collaborated with Twinkl to share some information around working with a child with Down syndrome in primary school settings. We thought this information worth sharing

Promoting Positive Behaviour in Primary Schools

Whilst children with Down syndrome typically have strengths in early social skills and social understanding, there are a number of difficulties associated with Down syndrome that can lead to some behaviour challenges. This service, led by Dr Becky Baxter, is designed to support schools to understand any behaviour challenges and to build on social strengths to develop new positive behaviours in school.

Twinkl TeachMeet with Dr Becky Baxter

We are delighted to have been invited by Twinkl to deliver monthly webinars as part of their TeachMeet initiative. Open to any professional working with a pupil with Down syndrome, and free to Twinkl members. Sessions are delivered by Dr Becky Baxter, our Director of Education and Speech and Language Therapy. Places are limited so book to avoid disappointment.

Lesson plans & presentations

Our resources have been created with guidance from educational professionals. They will support learning about Down syndrome and inclusion, and incorporate guidelines around working with a child with Down syndrome.