Our Service

We know some babies may only stay in hospital for a couple of days but others will need a while longer before being ready to go home, spending time in the hospital neonatal unit. Most children with Down syndrome will be born in hospital and diagnosis is likely to be made then, although this can sometimes occur later. Children with Down syndrome are referred to Barnet’s Child Development Service at point of identification of need or when they move into borough. The Early Years SEND Advisory Team will accept referrals of children from birth to four years who are not yet attending a maintained nursery or school. 

Service Offer

• Initial home visit soon after referral to provide information / answer questions and offer parental support.
• Home teaching visits as required- depending on age/stage (eg attendance at group, at nursery, EHCP assessment due).
• Early Support key working
• Makaton signing for Babies and Families training
• Advice to early years settings child attends
• Training and consultancy offered to nurseries

Weekly Communication Group

Overall goal: To support parents and carers in understanding and developing their children’s communication and play skills.

Set up:

• Early intervention programme for children with Down syndrome living in Barnet aged 6 months to 4 years (on starting reception class).
• Children are invited to attend group with their parent/carer. Children assigned to group based on age.
• The groups are run at set times , at Underhill Children Centre. They are on Wednesday's, term time only. Approx group time is 30-45mins
• Maximum number of children per group = 6
• Children advance through the groups each term as they get older and as new children join the programme
• Each group facilitated by the Early Years SEND Advisory Team
• Staff from pre-school settings invited to observe groups.
• Visits from other professionals supporting children.