Every Raising Twenty1 member aged between school reception age and year 11 is eligible to apply for inclusion in the annual school advisory service. Participation is fully funded by Raising Twenty1 and needs to be approved by the child’s school.

The purpose of the school advisory service is to provide a qualified bridge between students with Down’s Syndrome, their families and the school they attend. The service recognises that not all mainstream schools have experience of, and expertise in, teaching children with Down’s Syndrome. Furthermore, every child with Down’s Syndrome is individual with individual needs that may differ from any other child with Down’s Syndrome the school may have (or had) in their care currently (or previously).

The specialist advisor, provided by LETS Go!, will visit children participating in the scheme for half a day every term. During each visit they will observe within the classroom and listen to any specific educational or behavioural concerns the teaching staff may have. They will also perform individual one-to-one assessments considering the current level of development and progress. They will then discuss and develop targets with staff and families. These targets can be included in an EHCP or to support other therapies such as Speech and language therapy.

The service can be modified, within reason, depending on the requirements of the individual family, school, local support services.