The information below may be appropriate for primary and/or secondary pupils according to age, stage and individual needs.
Websites
- National site - downs-syndrome.org.uk/
- Evidence-based resources for teaching interventions - down-syndrome.org/en-gb/
- The Characteristics of Effective Learning - an overview — Siren Films: This video provides an overview of the characteristics of effective learning and serves as an introduction to understanding how children learn.
- Activities Guide: Enhancing & Practicing Executive Function Skills for children in the Early Years to Adolescence
Self-help resources
- Taking turns (pdf format, 32Kb)
- Using a visual timetable (pdf format, 162Kb)
- NHS Self-Care Skills- Backward chaining Guidance on teaching skills through backward chaining by consistently breaking tasks into ordered steps
- SENSS DSCN Down Syndrome good practice checklist
- SENSS DSCN complex needs good practice checklist (docx format, 48 KB)
Training
Down syndrome and complex needs
- Online drop-In sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual pupils with the Down syndrome and complex needs team on a no names basis and will be available monthly. Book a 20-minute slot via the website.
- ‘Supporting pupils with Down syndrome and complex needs’ training is available every half term. Access training through education services.
- Training for teaching assistants on developing independent learners and effective classroom support - In School CPD and OXSIT training courses Email OXSIT@Oxfordshire.gov.uk if interested in booking training
- Adaptive Teaching, Inclusive By Design CPD sessions In School CPD and OXSIT training courses Email OXSIT@Oxfordshire.gov.uk if interested in booking training
- Free Online SEND CPD units Online CPD Units | Whole School SEND
- Cognition and Learning
- Unit 14: Understanding executive functioning
- Unit 15: Memory for learning
Specialist support in school
Down syndrome and complex needs team
- Online drop-In sessions are an opportunity to discuss individual pupils with the Down Syndrome Complex Needs Team on a no names basis and will be available monthly. Book a 20-minute slot via the website.
- Free online training ‘Supporting pupils with Down syndrome and complex needs’ will run every half term. Access training through education services. Attendance at the training is necessary before a referral can be made.
- Use the good practice checklist (in resources above) to get lots of ideas for implementing good practice. This will help you decide if further support from SENSS DSCN is required.
- If SENSS DSCN support is required, email SENSS with the completed good practice checklist to SENSS
- A DSCN advisory teacher will arrange a virtual Teams meeting with the SENDCO and class teacher to discuss the referral.
Oxfordshire school inclusion team (OXSIT)
Consultancy package work can include support with:
- Training for teachers and teaching assistants on developing independent learners (in line with the Making the best use of Teaching Assistants EEF guidance)
- Teaching assistant training on effective classroom support
- Training for teachers and Teaching Assistants on adaptive teaching and Inclusion by Design
- Supporting the development of robust systems to enable an effective graduated approach for pupils with cognition and learning needs.
Find out more about what is available from OXSIT