Education System Is Failing Children with Down’s Syndrome

A report published to mark Down’s Syndrome Awareness Week (31st May – 6th June) reveals the discrimination and failings of Local Education Authorities and schools to make appropriate provision and support for children with Down’s syndrome.28/05/2004

The report demonstrates the Government's stated policy for more inclusion in mainstream schools is failing in practice because of Local Education Authorities (LEA) reluctance to provide sufficient resources. Many are accused by parents of cynically manipulating the statementing process to deny adequate support to all but the most vocal. In addition, parents are still being denied real choice, with 29% of those choosing special schools struggling to get access to dwindling places. Some LEAs even quote Government inclusion policies as justification for closing special schools down.

Detailed results of the report:

• A third (32%) of parents of children with Down's syndrome have experienced discrimination or prejudice from education professionals


• 51% of parents reported a lack of specialist knowledge and skills amongst education professionals, with a further 40% of parents feeling that schools lacked appropriate materials and resources for teaching children with Down's syndrome


• Two thirds (66%) of parents find state provision of essential speech and language therapy is inadequate for their child's needs


• One third (33%) of parents found getting a statement of special educational needs difficult with 43% making representations or going to tribunal to get an acceptable statement agreed

The Down's Syndrome Association is calling for the Government, LEAs and schools to take urgent action to address these inequalities so that children with Down's syndrome are no longer disadvantaged because of attitudes towards their disability. Key improvements recommended in the report include improved training and resources for education professionals as well as advocacy and support for parents.

- For background information visit www.downs-syndrome.org.uk