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/
Self-help resources
- SENSS DSCN Down Syndrome good practice checklist
- SENSS DSCN complex needs good practice checklist (docx format, 48KB)
Resources for supporting working memory
- Strategies to Support Students’ Working Memory and Retention Whole School SEND training slide set (pptx format, 4MB)
- Understanding working memory – a classroom guide (pdf format, 135KB)
- Ideas for developing auditory memory skills (pdf format, 144Kb
Resources for supporting executive function
- An-Intro-to-Executive-Function.pdf a visual guide explaining what executive function is and what it impacts.
- Activities Guide: Enhancing and Practicing Executive Function Skills with Children from Infancy to Adolescence (pdf format, 4MB) links to a downloadable document full of activities to support and strengthen executive functioning in children.
- Resources For Professionals | Oxford Brain Story — Oxford Brain Story | AFWI
- Resources » Alberta Family Wellness Initiative a short video explaining executive function.
- Resources » Alberta Family Wellness Initiative Brain Story Concepts: Serve & Return short video. By providing positive feedback via eye contact, sound, words and physical interaction, the adult helps spark the child’s interest and enthusiasm in practicing things like speech, language and social learning.
Resources for supporting attention and listening
- For children with social communication differences who are at a very early stage of development, this May I Join You? video clip explains how adults can adapt their practice to join a child’s play
- Learning conversations: 3 to 5 years - Best Start in Life - NHS provides evert day tips to develop using longer sentences.
- Attention Autism (docx format, 200KB) an intervention approach by Speech and Language Therapist Gina Davies which aims to work on the early fundamentals of language including awareness of others, attention, listening, shared attention, switching attention and turn-taking.
- Attention & listening - Children’s Integrated Therapies attention and listening activities provided by the NHS from 0 to 14+ years
- Attention-and-Concentration.pdf.docx
- Using a visual timetable (pdf format, 162Kb)
Training
- 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 on executive function, working memory and cognitive load including the working memory rating scale and digit span assessments. in-school CPD and as an OXSIT training courses
- Video on Identifying factors that impact on attention from the Education Psychology Service. A transcript (docx format, 30KB) is also available.
- Online, self-led training on understanding executive function and memory for learning. Access training through Whole School SEND
Specialist support in school
Educational psychology service
- Bespoke training for schools and settings.
- Joint problem-solving/psychological consultation around a specific case or issue.
- Whole class /whole school interventions
Find out more about what is available Educational Psychology Service.