• Children who are born with Down’s syndrome have an increased risk of additional health complications such as congenital heart, sight, and hearing problems. 
• Downs syndrome occurs in about 1 in every 1,000 live births in the UK. 
• It is not clear what causes Down’s syndrome but it seems the single biggest risk factor is the age at which a woman gives birth; the greatest risk (1 in 30) is associated with women who are 45 years of age or over.

• Individual learning support for each student with Down's syndrome will be different depending on their physical and developmental needs. 
• Some children and young people will have an EHCP identifying their physical and learning needs. 
• Low muscle tone can lead to difficulties controlling some body movements. 

Classroom organisation

• Class seating plans should take account of individual needs such as hearing and sight difficulties.  
• Advice from an occupational therapist on the correct positioning when working at a desk will help a student develop what works best for them. 

Communication 

• Access to a speech and language therapist will help teachers develop a programme tailored to the needs of the individual.   
• When giving instructions, be clear and limit to one or two steps at a time. 
• Signs and symbols can help with communication. 
• Visual reminders will help with processing information.
• It can be very helpful if peers also learn to sign.
  

Learning needs 

• Some children with Down's syndrome will learn to read at the same rate as peers without Down's Syndrome. It’s very important to have equally high expectations. 
• For some children with Down's Syndrome their reading ability will be more advanced than verbal communication skills. It’s important that differences in rates of development do not limit progress. 
• Development of writing skills will generally follow the same pattern as other children but may be delayed.