Education Training
These modules have been developed using our extensive experience of the specific learning style and development profile of individuals with Down’s syndrome.
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We offer bespoke CPD Accredited training and support on specific topics in Education tailored to your needs. We also provide dedicated consultation support and a series of four online interactive training modules with one of our Support Team.
We run quarterly online study sessions for each of these modules, you can book these below.
If you would like more information about any of this training or to arrange your training please contact us directly on 0300 030 2121 or email varshali@dsscotland.org.uk.
Current Modules
Module 1: Meeting the Learning Needs of Children & Young People with Down’s syndrome in your Nursery/School
This module aims to ensure you feel confident to meet the additional support needs and positively include children and young people with Down’s syndrome in your nursery or school.
Module content:
- What Down’s syndrome is, associated features and health issues that affect learning and development
- Development and unique learning profile of children with Down’s syndrome
- Effective strategies to positively support inclusion and tailor learning to meet specific needs
Module 2: Teaching Reading using the Whole Word Approach
This module expands on the learning covered in module 1, specifically looking at how to teach reading to children with Down’s syndrome and why it’s so important.
Module content:
- Using the whole word approach and exploring strategies using this approach to teach reading
- How phonics can support the whole word approach
- The importance of teaching reading and its impact on “talking”
Module 3: Teaching Numbers and Everyday Maths Skills
This session further expands on the learning covered in modules 1&2, specifically looking at how to teach numeracy to children with Down’s syndrome following key learning principles and using effective teaching strategies.
Module content:
- The relationship between Language and Numeracy
- Identify the basic Numeracy principles and how to teach these skills separately
- Explore strategies to support children with Down’s syndrome with their development of numeracy & mathematics skills
- Understand the importance of the relationship between Numeracy skills and independent living.
Module 4: Understanding and Supporting Behaviour that Communicates
This module is aimed at teachers and support staff to support with understanding and positively supporting behaviour of children and young people with Down’s syndrome.
Module content:
- What causes behaviour that may be perceived as challenging or difficult to manage
- How our values influence how we perceive behaviour
- How to undertake a functional approach to supporting behaviour by identifying its function and developing an individualised positive support plan
- How to teach alternative and more appropriate behaviours to communicate and the importance of effective communication and visual supports
Upcoming Training Module Sessions
Dedicated Consultation Service
If there is specific guidance or information you need related to the development or learning for a child with Down’s syndrome you support, or you are looking for practical and effective strategies to positively support inclusion in your nursery or school our bespoke consultation service can help you.
A dedicated, in-person consultation visit includes observation of an individual child within your nursery/school environment and a feedback and support session with key staff to provide practical, individual suggestions and effective strategies tailored to your area of support and the individual child in your educational setting. These sessions can also include support with how to differentiate curriculum learning materials and a written feedback consultation summary report is provided.
The cost of these sessions is £200 (plus travel expenses). If you would like to book a session please email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk.
Tailored Bespoke Training sessions
We offer tailored bespoke training on topics and situations specific to your needs. Our CPD-accredited interactive sessions can be delivered for your staff team either online or in person and provide the opportunity to discuss the specific support needs of a child in your setting. Our Teaching Numeracy and Teaching Reading modules are particularly geared to help you differentiate the curriculum for a child with Down’s syndrome in your educational setting.
These sessions can accommodate up to 20 members of staff which can be delivered as after-school twilight sessions or during an in-service day. To discuss your bespoke needs and costs of training please email familysupportservice@dsscotland.org.uk
Training Flyer
You can view details of all the training courses we offer for teachers and education professionals in our training flyer which can be downloaded below.
