Embracing Inclusion: Supporting learners with Down Syndrome and other learning disabilities in the mainstream classroom

Sharon Smith from the Down's Syndrome Association will lead this webinar. As well as working for the DSA, Sharon is a mother of a young lady who has Down syndrome, who successfully went through mainstream education (including secondary school). She has recently completed her PhD research, exploring experiences of inclusion and exclusion in education with mothers of learning-disabled children. 

In the webinar, Sharon will discuss how to work with families to support the inclusion of learning-disabled pupils, including those with the most complex needs, in a mainstream classroom. She will draw on personal anecdotes about what worked well for her daughter, findings from her PhD research and the wide range of resources and support available from the Down's Syndrome Association. Although these resources are designed with pupils who have Down's Syndrome in mind, they are also likely to be relevant for other pupils with similar learning needs The session will be hosted by Whole School SEND National Coordinator Alison Betts.

Objectives

• To discuss approaches and strategies for welcoming learners who have Down’s syndrome into mainstream education settings/classrooms
• To discuss differentiation for learners not working at the same level as the majority in the classroom
• To discuss things that matter to families/children and how to centre the child in meaningful person-centred planning 
• To demonstrate the resources and support available from the Down’s Syndrome Association for educators/school leaders

Desired outcomes

• Increased confidence to include learners who have Down’s syndrome / learning disabilities in a mainstream classroom so that more learners can start and stay in mainstream education settings throughout their education journey
• The development of proactive inclusive cultures, strategies and practices
• To prevent conflict or crisis situations with families by addressing issues quickly and in partnership
• Increased knowledge about what support is available to those working in education when welcoming a learner who has Down’s syndrome / a learning disability in their classroom