Supporting Children with Down's Syndrome

This practical resource contains a wealth of valuable advice and tried-and-tested strategies for supporting children and young people with Downs Syndrome. This text describes the different types of difficulties experienced by pupils with Downs Syndrome and helps practitioners to understand their diverse needs.

The wide-ranging chapters explore a variety of topics, including:

• Defining the profile of a pupil with Downs Syndrome
• Guidelines for working with pupils
• Addressing behaviour issues
• The use of ICT Home/school liaison
• Assessment

It provides guidance and practical strategies for SENCOs (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators), teachers and other professionals and parents, helping them to feel more confident, and be more effective in supporting learners in a variety of settings. It also provides materials for in-house training sessions, and features useful checklists, templates and photocopiable resources.

Fully updated with the UK's 2014 SEND Code of Practice.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Section 1: Introduction: What is inclusion?

1. Inclusion in education
2. The Legislation
3. Including the pupil with Downs syndrome
4. The specific learning profile for Downs syndrome

Section 2: Including the Pupil with Downs Syndrome

5. Characteristics
6. Possible medical problems
7. Supporting pupils with Downs syndrome
8. Classroom practice
9. Differentiation
10. Visual impairment
11. Hearing impairment
12. Transition from primary to secondary school

Section 3: Use of Support Staff for the pupil with Downs syndrome

13. Adult support for the pupil
14. Support staff: effective deployment
15. Support staff: roles and responsibilities
16. Support staff: guidelines for working with pupils

Section 4: Specific Issues in Teaching and Learning for the pupil with Downs syndrome

17. Developing speech and language
18. Addressing behaviour issues
19. Developing memory
20. Developing mathematical skills
21. Developing reading skills
22. Developing independent writing
23. Teaching spelling
24. Fine and gross motor skills
25. The use of ICT

Section 5: Developing Social Inclusion for the pupil with Downs syndrome

26. Independence skills
27. Developing self-help skills
28. Developing self-esteem
29. Supporting peers to include pupils with Downs syndrome
30. Promoting peer-group relationships
31. Pupils views
32. Home/school liaison
33. The emotional aspects of life with a child Downs syndrome
34. Siblings of the child with Downs syndrome

Section 6: Assessment and planning

35. Assessment
36. Pupil profiles and learning plans/IEPs

Section 7: Continuing Professional Development

37. Planning for Continuing Professional Development

Section 8: Resources and useful contacts

• Resources
• Useful contacts

Appendices

1. Issues for consideration
2. Some professionals who may be involved with the pupil
3. Small steps approach to recording progress in reading
4. Small steps approach to recording progress in scissor skills