KS1/KS2 and beyond The Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 13^th July  9.30am -11.30

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of students in KS1/2 and beyond with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile.

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

ONLINE COURSE - FOR EARLY YEARS/KS1 Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: Monday 13^th July  1pm -3pm

Where: ONLINE

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of our younger members with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential.

This is a condensed version of the learning profile.

Cost: £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

The Learning profile of a child with Down syndrome

Date: 16th September  9am – 3pm

Where DSC hub, Northwich 

This session focuses on the unique learning profile of students with Down syndrome, it highlights their relative strengths and how these can be used to support areas of challenge.

Techniques to improve the learning outcomes will be examined with practical examples demonstrated.  A range of areas will be covered including reading, numeracy skills, behaviour and how we can reduce task demands.

With a clear understanding of the learning profile, educators can present teaching in ways that enable learners to demonstrate their understanding, make meaningful progress, and reach their full potential

Cost £20

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

Makaton Level 1 Training

📅 Dates: Tues 22nd September 
🕘 Time: 9am – 4.30pm
📍 Venue: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub

Level 1 provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. It is ideal for parents, carers, professionals, and anyone who wants to begin using Makaton to support communication.

During the training, you will:

• Learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2 of the Core Vocabulary, plus some of the Additional Stage vocabulary.
• Explore commonly asked questions about Makaton.
• Receive practical hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use.
• Discover how to start using Makaton confidently in everyday situations at home, school, or work.

Payment is required in advance to secure your place.

If you are booking on behalf of a school and require an invoice before making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the first training session will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within one week of the training will be charged the full course fee.

Makaton Level 2 Training

📅 Dates: Wednesday 7th October
🕘 Time: 9am – 4.30pm
📍 Venue: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub

Makaton level 2 training builds on the knowledge gained in level 1and focuses on learning the signs and symbols from Stages 3 & 4, as well as the additional stage of the core vocabulary.

The course includes understanding the theory behind Makaton and developing signing skills.

Delegates MUST have completed level 1 Makaton before attending this course.

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

Makaton Level 1 Training

📅 Dates: Monday 13th October & Monday 20th October
🕘 Time: 9:45am – 2:15pm
📍 Venue: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub

Please note: This is a two-part course, and you must attend both training dates to complete the programme. Please ensure you are available on both dates before booking.

Level 1 provides a practical introduction to the Makaton Language Programme. It is ideal for parents, carers, professionals, and anyone who wants to begin using Makaton to support communication.

During the training, you will:

• Learn the signs and symbols from Stages 1 and 2 of the Core Vocabulary, plus some of the Additional Stage vocabulary.
• Explore commonly asked questions about Makaton.
• Receive practical hints and tips for effective signing and symbol use.
• Discover how to start using Makaton confidently in everyday situations at home, school, or work.

Payment is required in advance to secure your place.

If you are booking on behalf of a school and require an invoice before making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the first training session will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within one week of the training will be charged the full course fee.

Course Name: Makaton For Early Years.

Venue address: Youth Hub (Formally Orford Youth Base), Capesthorne Rd, Warrington , WA2 0JF

Delivered by: Down Syndrome Cheshire

Date: 21st October 2026

Time: 9am to 1pm

This interactive workshop is designed for early years professionals who want to create calm, engaging and inclusive environments where all children can thrive. Makaton helps children connect, express themselves, and feel understood, even before they can speak.

Why this workshop matters

• Support early communication and language development
• Reduce frustration and help children express their needs
• Strengthen bonds between children, parents and practitioners
• Create an inclusive setting that supports every child’s communication

What will you learn?

This workshop gives you the confidence and tools to:

• Use Makaton signs and symbols alongside speech during daily routines and activities
• Support children's understanding and ability to make choices
• Embed signing into songs, stories, and play
• Involve parents, carers and other professionals in consistent communication support
• Create inclusive environments where all children can participate and belong

Workshop content

The session covers:

• How Makaton supports early communication and language development
• The communication journey and the importance of visual support
• Key signs and symbols for daily routines and play
• Practical strategies for embedding signing into everyday interactions
• Signing through stories, songs and group activities
• Real-life examples and practical exercises with support from your Tutor/Trainer
• Includes official Makaton resources and certificate of attendance

Who is this for?

This workshop is ideal for anyone working with young children, including:

• Nursery and pre-school staff
• Early years teachers and SENCOs
• Childminders and family support workers
• Speech and language professionals
• Children’s centre staff and outreach teams

No previous experience with Makaton is needed.

Places are limited if the course is full please contact schools@dscheshire.org.uk and we will create a waiting list. We can also arrange training at your setting for groups of 8-12 people. enquire for more details.

PLEASE NOTE

• Payment is required in advance for this course. If you are a school and need an invoice prior to making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.
• We offer a full refund for bookings cancelled more than one week before a training session. For cancellations made within one week of the training, the full cost of the course will apply.

Promoting Positive Behaviour

📅 Date: Tuesday 21st October
🕧 Time: 12:30pm – 3:00pm
📍 Venue: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub, CW9 7LU

Please note: The course will begin promptly at 1:00pm. From 12:30pm–1:00pm, there will be an opportunity to meet and network with other professionals while enjoying your lunch.

About the Course

This session explores practical strategies for promoting positive behaviour in people with Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome have a unique learning profile. Understanding this profile can help explain why certain behaviours may occur and enable you to respond in a positive, supportive way.

During the session, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the learning profile associated with Down syndrome.
• Explore why behaviours may occur.
• Learn positive behaviour support strategies.
• Discover effective ways to support people with Down syndrome and meet their individual needs.
• Understand how proactive support can help prevent unwanted behaviours.

Booking Information

Delegate fee: £20 per person

Payment is required in advance to secure your place.

If you are booking on behalf of a school and require an invoice before making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the training session will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within one week of the training will be charged the full course fee.

Promoting Positive Behaviour (Online)

📅 Date: Monday 9th November 2026
🕤 Time: 9:30am – 11:30am
💻 Venue: Online

Please note: This is an online training session. A joining link will be sent to the email address used when booking prior to the course. Please ensure your email address is entered correctly when registering.

About the Course

This session explores practical strategies for promoting positive behaviour in people with Down syndrome.

People with Down syndrome have a unique learning profile. Understanding this profile can help explain why certain behaviours may occur and enable you to respond in a positive, supportive way.

During the session, you will:

• Gain an understanding of the learning profile associated with Down syndrome.
• Explore why behaviours may occur.
• Learn positive behaviour support strategies.
• Discover effective ways to support people with Down syndrome and meet their individual needs.
• Understand how proactive support can help prevent unwanted behaviours.

Booking Information

Delegate fee: £20 per person
Parents: Free of charge

Payment is required in advance for paid delegate bookings to secure your place.

A joining link for the online session will be sent to the email address used when booking before the course begins.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the training session will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within one week of the training will be charged the full course fee.

Supporting Literacy and Numeracy for Pupils with Down Syndrome

📅 Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm
📍 Venue: Down Syndrome Cheshire Hub

About the Course

This full-day training session explores practical, evidence-based approaches to supporting literacy and numeracy for pupils with Down syndrome.

Literacy

Reading is often a relative strength for children with Down syndrome. Sharing books from an early age and supporting children to develop reading skills can have a positive impact on spoken language, vocabulary, and memory.

Many children with Down syndrome learn to read most successfully using a whole-word (sight word) approach, with phonics introduced and developed alongside, depending on individual needs. During this session, you will explore effective sight word reading strategies and discover a range of resources to support reading development.

Numeracy

Numeracy is often more challenging, as mathematical concepts can be highly abstract. However, developing numeracy skills is essential for promoting independence and everyday life skills.

This session will explore practical, visual approaches to teaching numeracy, alongside tools and resources that can be used to assess, monitor and support progress.

Throughout the day, we will demonstrate how to use these resources effectively, giving you practical strategies and the confidence to implement them within your classroom.

Booking Information

Delegate fee: £30 per person
Parent fee: £5 per person

Payment is required in advance to secure your place.

If you are booking on behalf of a school and require an invoice before making payment, please contact us at admin@dscheshire.org.uk.

Cancellation Policy

• Cancellations made more than one week before the training session will receive a full refund.
• Cancellations made within one week of the training will be charged the full course fee.