- It is vitally important that the child meets all members of the post primary school staff (e.g. principal, class teachers, caretakers, secretaries, etc.)
- The child needs to develop familiarity with the layout of the new school - lunch area, hall, library, toilets, classrooms etc.
- The child will need to practice the correct route into the school - which gate? Which door to use?
- It is a good idea to provide a map of the school buildings and grounds for the child and the parents - This map should be colour-coded, if possible
- Make sure that the child is familiarised with routines in the post-primary school.
- Visits to the post-primary school should cover assembly and break times as well as different subject classes, etc.
- Many pupils with Down Syndrome settle very quickly once they understand the rules and routines
- Information should be issued to the primary school and to the parents on class / school rules, uniforms, P.E. arrangements for the chosen school, etc. as early as possible.
- Information should also be issued on any clubs and extra curricular activities available in the post primary school
- Decide on practical issues such as lunch – do students bring a packed lunch? Is there a canteen? Do children buy lunch from the local shops? Which is the best option for the child with Down syndrome?
General Educational Information