DSL Training Events

Our training events were originally put in place after concerns were expressed by both Down's Syndrome Liverpool and SENISS, about how children and young people with Down Syndrome in Liverpool’s mainstream schools could best be supported. This is both an issue for those children in schools now and also for the increasing numbers of children who have Down Syndrome  who are expected to enter reception classes in the future.

Initially, several meetings were held between DSL and SENISS it was agreed that working together would be the best approach to this. DSL had obvious links to the National Down Syndrome Association and the expertise of their trainers. SENISS had access to the resources of the local authority.

Consequently, DSL provides the funding for the trainers and worked with the National Down Syndrome Association to put together a training programmes for Educational Support Assistants. 

The training which took place in Toxteth Annex was extremely successful with over ninety participants attended the event, including speech therapists who are also working with our children and young people. 

Some of the workshops to give practical advice were the following areas:

• Numeracy

• Promoting Age Appropriate Behaviour

• Addressing Specific Aspects of Speech Language  and Communication

• Reading and Writing Primary • Promoting Positive Behaviour 

• Transition to Secondary School

Feedback from training events have been extremely positive, both officially through the evaluation received by DSL from the day and also anecdotally from conversations with parents and ESA’s. 

There is no doubt in the minds of the trustees that this has been money well spent.

 Due to this, Down Syndrome Liverpool have provided many training opportunities for families and professionals, and continue to do so, to enable our young people every opportunity to succeed in all aspects of their learning.