School Aged & Post 16 Training – A Numeracy Overview

This training session explores the development of numeracy skills in pupils with Down syndrome, alongside an overview of the associated specific learning profile and how this can influence both strengths and areas of difficulty in relation to numeracy. It will focus on practical, classroom-based strategies to support differentiation and promote meaningful progress in numeracy for learners with Down syndrome, helping staff to adapt teaching approaches to better meet individual needs.

School Age & Post 16 Training – Supporting Progress with Reading and Reading Comprehension for Pupils with Down Syndrome

This session will look at how to work with the strengths of the specific learning profile associated with learners with Down syndrome so as to maximise success around:

• building sight vocabulary
• enabling progress with reading comprehension
• scaffolding progress with comprehension and sentence composition using the Colourful Semantics approach: teachers share their experiences
• creating access to whole-class reading

We will have input from teaching staff who will share their experience of using Colourful Semantics as teaching strategy for pupils with Down syndrome and will also be looking at how literacy targets can offer access to whole-class content across the curriculum.

As these principles apply at varying stages of progress in literacy, this session is suitable for staff working at Key Stage 2 to 4.

School Age & Post 16 Training – Developing Literacy Skills for Primary School Age Children with Down Syndrome

This informative session will explore what we know about literacy skills in children with Down syndrome and how best to support them in school. It includes practical ideas and examples for areas such as reading, writing and comprehension. The session includes examples of teaching activities, suggestions for resources, and differentiation. In addition, this session will explore assessing current skills and evidence-based strategies to ensure continuous progress.

School Aged & Post 16 Training – Promoting Positive Behaviour, Building Self-Esteem and Emotional Wellbeing in Pupils with Down Syndrome

This session will explore practical ways to build pupil self-esteem by embedding positive learning behaviours and meaningful peer interactions into everyday classroom practice for pupils with Down syndrome.

We will explore:

• Immersive provision planning: pace, space, and strategies to support independent success
• Peer collaboration and the development of social communication in the classroom
• Staggered and structured support management
• Upskilling the peer group: building understanding, confidence, and inclusion around Down syndrome
• Integrating Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) meaningfully into the curriculum

The session will also address strategies for understanding and supporting behaviours that may challenge teams around a pupil. An optional 30-minute advice clinic will run from 12.00–12.30 for delegates seeking more individualised guidance.

This session is suitable for parents, teachers, support staff, SENCOs, and pastoral leads working with pupils in Key Stages 2, 3, and 4

School Age & Post-16 – An Introduction to Down syndrome: A General Overview

This introductory session is designed for secondary school SENCOs, teachers, and support staff who are new to including pupils with Down syndrome, as well as those looking to refresh and strengthen their understanding. It is also highly relevant for parents of pupils in Year 5 and above who wish to gain insight into planning for a successful transition to secondary education.

The session will explore the very specific learning profile associated with Down syndrome and how schools can build on strengths to support progress in learning, communication, friendships, and independence.

Delegates will have the opportunity to develop confidence in adapting teaching approaches, supporting access to learning, and scaffolding independence in the classroom.

Suitable for both professionals working with pupils from Year 5 upwards, as well as parents.

Pre School Training – Early Reading and the Use of Print

This course is suitable for parents, nursery staff, and pre-school practitioners working with babies and children with Down syndrome aged 0–5 years. The session will explore the very specific learning profile associated with Down syndrome, highlighting both strengths and areas where additional support may be needed in the early years.

It will focus on the role of print in early development, how it plays to visual strengths, supports memory and the positive impact it can have on supporting speech, language, and communication, as well as beginning to introduce early literacy skills.

We will look at how to:

• Understand the speech and language profile for children with Down syndrome
• Support the learning of vocabulary and language using visuals and print
• Develop a sight word vocabulary and how to use this to extend sentences

A practical and supportive session designed to build confidence in promoting speech and language development and early reading skills across home and early years settings.

Pre School Training – Play, Cognition and Fine Motor Skills

This course explores evidence-based strategies to support learning through play and help parents and educators become confident, responsive play partners. It will focus on the importance of scaffolding play skills, setting play targets and creating meaningful, developmentally appropriate learning opportunities both at home and in nursery settings.

Children with Down syndrome often have difficulty with fine motor skills and coordinating movement, which can impact play development and self-help skills.

The session will look at how to develop these skills with the focus on repetition and practice.
We will look at how to:
• Identify appropriate play and fine motor skill targets
• Break activities into manageable, achievable steps to suit all levels of
development
• Support the development of early play, cognition, and coordination skills

A practical and supportive session designed to build confidence in promoting purposeful play and early developmental skills across home and early years settings.

Pre School Training – Ensuring a Positive Start

This session is designed for nursery/pre-school staff and parents of pre-school children aged 0–5. It will explore the learning profile associated with Down syndrome and how this can influence early development and learning. We will share practical strategies to help every child reach their full potential and support a strong foundation for future learning.

Topics will include:

• The importance of maintaining high expectations from the start
• Positive behaviour strategies for home and pre-school, including the importance of visuals
• Toilet training approaches and strategies
• Guidance on choosing the right school setting

A supportive session aimed at building confidence and consistency between home and early years settings as well as an opportunity to understand evidence-based research on supporting children with Down syndrome to reach their full potential.

Portsmouth DSA Christmas Party 2026

Join us for festive fun at our Christmas Party.

Portsmouth DSA Halloween Party 2026

🎃 Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association presents our Annual…

👻 Wickedly Wonderful Halloween Party! 👻

Calling all witches, wizards, ghosts, superheroes, pumpkins and creatures of the night!

Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association is delighted to invite you and your family to our annual Halloween Fancy Dress Party.

Come along for an evening of spooky fun, friendship and fantastic memories as our families celebrate together. Whether you’re a tiny pumpkin or a grown-up ghoul, we’d love to see everyone dressed in their favourite Halloween costumes!

🎃 A spooky disco with our fantastic SEN-friendly DJ

🎃 A delicious hot food for all the family

🎃 Halloween games and dancing

🎃 Lots of laughter, fun and time with friends old and new

Sensory Information

Our disco is led by an experienced SEN-friendly DJ, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all our children and young people.

However, we appreciate that some guests may still find loud music or lighting overwhelming, so families are welcome to bring ear defenders or anything else that helps their child feel comfortable. A quieter seating area will also be available for anyone needing a sensory break during the evening.

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