Downright Special

Downright Special provides support to families and professionals in the Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire region in all aspects of the care, development and education of children with Down's syndrome. Our aim is simple: to build a brighter future for children with Down's syndrome, supporting them to achieve their full potential, and promoting successful inclusion in all aspects of life. Siblings are welcome to attend Downright Special Friday sessions, and our social events are aimed at the whole family. Parent/carers stay with children at our Friday morning sessions. School-age children, who attend our afternoon Downright Special Education groups, attend with their Teaching Assistants.

We offer a range of services:

• Visit families with a new baby to offer support
• Run a weekly group session for children under 5, providing education, fun and play as well as support to parents and carers
• Provide small-group education sessions for school-age children tailored to the specific learning profile of children with Down's syndrome
• Share best-practice teaching techniques with teaching assistants and nursery staff
• Visit schools to provide specialist advice on individual cases
• Provide specialist resource packs for children starting school and nursery
• Conferences and training for parents and professionals
• Social events for the whole family
• Promote the awareness of Down's syndrome and encourage successful inclusion

A registered charity: 1175863 (formerly 1128178). Registered with the Fundraising Regulator and affiliated to The Down's Syndrome Association.

Teaching staff have received training from Down's Syndrome Education International on the most up-to-date teaching techniques specific to how children with Down syndrome learn and how to differentiate the curriculum. Staff and volunteers have also been trained in sign language.