Downright Special

Downright Special is a Hull-based charity supporting children and young people with Down syndrome.

17/06/2026

🌟 Calling All Teachers, TAs and SENCOs 🌟

Are you passionate about creating inclusive classrooms where every child can thrive?

Join us for our upcoming online training course:
"Introduction to Working with Children with Down Syndrome"

Whether you are an experienced teacher/teaching assistant or just starting out, educating children with Down syndrome can present us with unfamiliar challenges.

⭐How exactly do we provide the right type of curriculum with appropriate levels of expectation?
⭐What does good practice look like? What are the keys to unlocking a child’s learning potential?

This training will cover key facts about the multifaceted nature of Down syndrome and an in-depth exploration of the learning profile for Down syndrome and its implications for classroom practice.

"As a practitioner who is very new to working with children with Down syndrome, I found all of the course to be a fabulous insight and introduction." - Previous Attendee

🔗Early Years/KS1 Thursday 9th July 1.15pm-3.15pm

🔗KS2 & Above Wednesday 8th July 3.30pm-5.30pm

Book here: www.ticketsource.com/downrightspecial

Any questions? Contact [email protected]

16/06/2026

*Parent Information Session: Preparing for Adulthood*

📅Tuesday 30th June 2026
🕖7pm-8.30pm
💻Online via MS Teams
💷 Voluntary donation (suggested amount £5)

Aimed at parents / carers of children and young people with Down syndrome of secondary school age, this relaxed, informal session aims to describe what options are available for our young people as they transition to adulthood, some of the key considerations and where to access help and support.

Book here: https://www.ticketsource.com/downrightspecial/t-dkknjgk

Any questions [email protected]

15/06/2026

Our 11-25s social group had a fantastic night out on Friday at The Back Room, Cottingham
They made very tasty pizzas with thanks to Dough Punks , played games and did karaoke! They ended the night with an amazing group sing and sign to 'This is Me' from The Greatest Showman.

Thank you so much Robbie and Ellie for making the night so special and making us feel so welcome at such a brilliant venue.

And thank you to Hull Wyke Round Table for the funding that made this event possible!

12/06/2026

🌞FRIDAY FACES!🌞
Today we were delighted to give out some fabulous sock toys made by the talented ladies from the WI South Holderness Group Rally and Sutton WI. Thank you so much!

Susanne's group were working on the 'a' and 'd' sounds, core strength exerces and learning signs for summer days out.

Sarah's group were also working on holiday vocabulary and doing lots of desensitising activities such as putting on hats, sunglasses and suncream.

Laura's group were also practicing applying suncream and working on vocabulary and developing understanding of language with the small world toys.

Katie's group were exploring food, practicing pouring from a jug, drinking from an open cup and wiping up spills!

Have a lovely weekend everyone! We are looking forward to taking our 11-25s out tonight to a pizza making workshop at The Backroom in Cottingham!

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08/06/2026

📢New! Weekly Dance Sessions for Children with Down Syndrome Ages 4-11 (primary school age).

Thank you so much to everyone who filled in our survey and expressed an interest in a dance group for primary- aged children with Down syndrome.
We are so excited to be starting another weekly dance session so that our primary school children can also join in the fun!

Come and see what it is all about by coming along to two free trial sessions on Monday 29th June and Monday 6th July.
(After the free trial, sessions will cost £5 per week per person to be paid in advance half-termly)

Register here: https://forms.office.com/e/eEvLKDRu0V

📅Sessions will be every Monday in term time.
⌚5.30pm-6.15pm
📍Wolfreton School Sports Hub, Willerby

Led by Joanna of Harker’s Choreography, this is an inclusive, relaxed session for everyone to enjoy dance at their own level.
Wear comfortable clothing/trainers and bring a drink.
The venue is very accessible, on the ground floor and with parking next to it that will be made available exclusively for our use.
Do let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments that would help make these sessions as enjoyable as possible for your child! There will be an opportunity to tell us in the registration form but you can always call/email us to discuss anything!
We ask that parents/carers stay on site, with seating available outside the room.
If your child needs 1:1 support, then of course an adult is welcome to be in the session with them especially in the first few weeks! 😊

For those of you with older children we do still have places available in our 6.30pm class which is for ages 11-25+ so get in touch if you want to know more!

Any other questions then just let us know!
You can email [email protected] or call 01482 420160.

02/06/2026

⭐Training for school staff educating a child with Down syndrome⭐

📅Monday 8th June
⌚9am-12.30pm then 1pm-3pm
📍Downright Special, Bodmin Road Church, Padstow Close, Hull HU7 4HE

We've got a great day of in-person training coming up on Monday 8th June for all those working with children with Down syndrome from EYFS to KS4!

The morning session focuses on Sensory and Physical Needs, covering Coordination Difficulties and Sensory Integration.

The afternoon session is all about Promoting Social, Emotional and Mental Health and Wellbeing, to help pupils with Down syndrome thrive.

Cost:
£60 morning session
£40 afternoon session
£100 for whole day

Click here to book and find out more:
https://www.ticketsource.com/downrightspecial/t-aaaxnjr

Any questions please email [email protected].

Bookings close on 4th June 2026.

01/06/2026

⭐Volunteers’ Week starts today Mon 1st June until Sun 7th June!⭐

Our volunteers give so much to Downright Special and without them we wouldn’t be able to do what we do. Our volunteers help us at social events, welcome parents at our Friday groups, make resources, tidy up, design logos and leaflets, are trustees on our board, fundraise and so much more!

Thank you to each and every one of you for everything you do to support our work with children and young people with Down syndrome in Hull and East Yorkshire!

27/05/2026

🍕Pizza Making Party🍕
For Young People Registered with Downright Special (Age 11 -25 )

📅Friday 12th June 2026
🕧6pm-9pm
📍The Back Room, Cottingham, HU16 4BB
🎟️Book here:
https://www.ticketsource.com/downrightspecial/t-ejjqlln

- Make and eat your own Pizza
- Spend time with friends
- have a drink, listen to music, dance and enjoy!

Please let us know of any allergies or intolerances during the booking process.

We are asking for a voluntary contribution of £5 for each person attending the event, the amount can be changed in the booking process by typing in the box. You can still make a donation to the charity too!

Feel free to give us a call if you’d like to have a chat about any adjustments your young person may need to enjoy this event.

Bookings close Monday 8th June 2026

Any questions then please email [email protected]

22/05/2026

🌞FRIDAY FACES!🌞

It's been a day of celebration following winning the Education & Training category at the HEY Charity Awards yesterday! It was so special to show the children the trophy and then celebrate with cakes for everyone!

We also had a visit from Edward and Dave from RAOB - Hull and District who donated £250 following a fundraising event they organised in the Night Jar pub. Thank you so much!

Have a lovely half term everyone!

Address

Bodmin Rd Church Office, Padstow Close, Bransholme
Kingston Upon Hull
HU74HE

Telephone

+441482420160

Website

https://www.downrightspecial.co.uk/

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