Support for children with Down’s syndrome at school
Children with Down’s syndrome often learn at their own unique pace – with more repetition, more time and a great deal of enjoyment in what they can already do. At school, the aim is to patiently support them on this journey without separating your child from the class community. We’re there to support your child – both during lessons and at break times. As much support as is needed, as little as possible.
How Down’s syndrome manifests itself in everyday school life
Every child is different – yet we frequently encounter the following situations:
- Individual learning pace: New material requires more repetition and more time before it is firmly grasped. The pace and volume of work in the class do not always match the child’s own rhythm.
- Keeping up with the class: Inclusion is possible in mainstream schools – to ensure your child can follow the lessons, tasks often need to be adapted to their level and the main thread of the lesson needs to be maintained.
- Language and clarity: Pronunciation and speaking pace can make it difficult for others to understand. Sometimes your child knows the answer but cannot formulate it quickly or clearly enough.
- Independence and everyday practical skills: Getting changed, organising materials, packing their lunchbox, finding their way around the school – everyday practical tasks are mastered step by step, often with a little support at the start.
- Social participation and friendships: There is a strong desire for social interaction. Sometimes a little help is needed to enable children to play together and form genuine friendships.
How our support helps
We build on your child’s strengths and provide support where it’s needed:
- Structuring content and processes: We break tasks down into clear, manageable steps and establish reliable routines that your child can use for guidance. → Structuring
- Using supported communication: Through sign language, picture cards or other aids, we give your child additional ways to make themselves understood and to better grasp what is being said. → our methods
- Encouraging independence: We provide help in a targeted manner and withdraw it just as deliberately as soon as your child can manage a task on their own. → our methods
- Highlighting strengths: We help your child to contribute what they are good at – so that they are seen in the class as part of the community, rather than defined by their difficulties.
- Independence as a goal: We withdraw our support as soon as your child no longer needs it.
Legal basis & application
Down’s syndrome is usually associated with an intellectual disability. In such cases, a school support worker is usually considered as a service under the integration support scheme to facilitate participation in education – in these instances, the social services department is typically responsible under Section 112 of SGB IX. Whether and to what extent a school support worker is approved is decided by the funding body on a case-by-case basis; support is available at both mainstream and special schools. We will guide you through the entire process.
Qualifications of our support workers
Our support workers undergo a multi-stage selection process and are trained at our own Splash Academy. When supporting children with Down’s syndrome, we place particular emphasis on patience, a step-by-step approach and knowledge of supported communication and promoting independence. This means your child is in experienced hands.
Frequently asked questions
Can my child with Down’s syndrome be supported at a mainstream school?
Yes. School support is available at both mainstream and special schools. At mainstream schools, we help your child to follow lessons and keep up with the class.
Does the school support worker take over the curriculum or do the learning for my child?
No. We do not do the learning for your child, but rather create the conditions in which they can learn for themselves – through structure, repetition and step-by-step support. The aim is always to foster greater independence.
Who covers the costs?
In the case of Down’s syndrome, the social services department is usually responsible under the integration assistance scheme (Section 112 of Book IX of the Social Code). The funding body decides on approval and the scope of support on a case-by-case basis. We’ll help you with the application.
What happens if my child doesn’t understand something that’s been said or can’t make themselves understood?
We use supported communication – such as sign language or picture cards – and give your child time. This provides an additional way for them to express themselves and grasp the content with greater confidence.
Won’t the support mean my child is cut off from the other children?
That is precisely what we aim to prevent. We work as unobtrusively as possible and use the support as a bridge to their classmates – so that connections and friendships can develop, rather than isolating your child.
Let’s talk about your child
In a free initial consultation, we’ll discuss your child’s needs, the application process and the next steps – with no obligation.
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Our own Splash Academy · Multi-stage selection process · Support at mainstream and special schools
This page is for information purposes only and does not replace medical or legal advice. The relevant funding body decides on a case-by-case basis whether school support is suitable and eligible for funding.