Practical tips for leaders
Practical tips for leaders
- It is vital to speak about issues relating to Down’s syndrome in a way that is both factually accurate and inoffensive to people who have Down’s syndrome, their families, carers and the people who support them. You can learn more about terminology from the Down’s Syndrome Association.
- Due to possible hearing difficulties you should vital to ensure instructions are given clearly, simply and face to face. Read the advice for supporting individuals with hearing loss.
- Consider how you can shorten your sentences to support understanding and use visual images/signing to help with learning, memory and understanding.
- Be patient and always listen carefully. Ensure that opportunities are given for any attempt to answer questions. Create some simple questions at the level appropriate for the young person so that they always feel involved and able to contribute in activities.
- Talk to the young person and their parent/carer about any physical and medical needs and ensure that these are recorded on their support plan so that all adults are aware of needs and how to support them. Be positive talking about strengths and interests too. Use the Parent/Carer Framework to help frame your conversation.
- One misconception of individual’s with Down’s Syndrome is that they are always loveable and affectionate. Everyone is different and will resent differently. Do not make assumptions. Leaders should follow best practice around physical contact and always refer to the Yellow Card.
- Learn from the individual and be guided by their individual needs. Maintain a positive relationship with parents/ carers; keep them informed if the young person's progress and look to them for specialist guidance.
- Adults with Down’s syndrome can also make great leaders and adult supporters in Scouts. It is important that any adult in Scouts understanding the principles and values of the Scout Association and relevant safeguarding and Safety guidelines. It may or may not be appropriate for the adult with Down’s Syndrome to have responsibility of young people and the leader in charge depending on their level of understanding and learning needs.
- If the young person needs additional adult support, discuss this with their parent/carer – could they help in some sessions or would it be beneficial for the group to look at trying to recruit additional support for the young person?
- Use simpler language to explain activities and badge requirements
- Use visual supports to explain expectations and help young people prepare for activities such as night’s away
- The Programme in Scouting contains a great deal of flexibility. The guiding principle throughout the Programme should be that young people are being challenged, whilst having fun. Each young person who participates in the Programme, should face a similar degree of challenge. Leaders can tailor badge or award requirements according to each young person's abilities, to enable all young people to access the badge or award of their choice.