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Sunshine & Smiles

Pre-school

Sunshine and Smiles Groups

Our groups are open to all families, not only those who feel like they would benefit from extra support, and at their core is an aim to have fun, make friends and share life together. 

Our groups are all FREE, although following feedback from families we have a donation option at time of booking; this is to allow an easy way for those who wish to donate, it is not expected or required. Unless otherwise stated, siblings and parents/carers are welcome at all groups.

For anyone who would be unable to attend otherwise we will always book taxi transport to and from our groups free of charge. We can also provide interpreting support if needed. 

We understand that children, especially those with Down Syndrome and/or other additional needs can find groups overwhelming or difficult. There are no behaviour expectations at our groups, everyone is free to participate in whatever way suits them, and there is no pressure to stay for the whole time. We are always available by phone or email if you would like to discuss any specific concerns- see contact details.

Sunbeams

Sunbeams

We'd love to see you at our Sunbeams group for babies and children aged 0 to 4 years.

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Sunflowers

Sunflowers

Sunflowers is our fun and inclusive music and movement group for ages 2-8 years

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Family Swim Sessions

Family Swim Sessions

Everyone is welcome to come along for a splash around and/or a swimming lesson

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Speech and Language Groups

Speech and Language Groups

Small group sessions for all ages delivered by Speech & Language Therapists

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Early Development Groups

Early Development Groups

Structured sessions for ages 1-3 years focussed on learning early developmental skills

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Makaton training

Makaton training

We offer Makaton for Babies and Families, and occasionally level 1-4 Makaton training

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Parties and celebrations

Parties and celebrations

As well as our regular groups we love to host one-off events through the year.

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Sunshine and Smiles Support

We are really flexible in the ways we support families and will try and help in whatever way we can, or signpost to other organisations if more appropriate. Here are some of the ways we offer support. 

If english is not your first language and interpretation support would be helpful, we can provide this for meetings, appointments and groups. 

Individual Support

Individual Support

Please contact us if you'd like a chat in person or on the phone

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Support at meetings or appointments

Support at meetings or appointments

We are happy to attend appointments or meetings with you, including visiting schools or nurseries

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Training for school and nursery staff

Training for school and nursery staff

We can come into a nursery or school setting to provide some informal training on Down Syndrome

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WhatsApp Groups

WhatsApp Groups

All parents and carers are welcome to join one of our peer support WhatsApp groups

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Social Media and Newsletter

Social Media and Newsletter

Keep up to date with everything we've got going on by following us on social media or signing up to our newsletter.

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Parent and Carer Get Together

Parent and Carer Get Together

We hold a monthly get together at 21 Co. for parents and carers of children and adults with Down Syndrome

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Therapy with Phoenix Health and Wellbeing

Therapy with Phoenix Health and Wellbeing

Sunshine & Smiles families can access counselling and massage therapy free of charge through Phoenix

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Useful information and resources

About Down Syndrome

About Down Syndrome

Read about the cause, characteristics and effects of Down Syndrome

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Heart conditions

Heart conditions

Information about Heart Conditions in those with Down syndrome

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Speech and Language (Communication)

Speech and Language (Communication)

Information and resources to support Speech development in those with Down Syndrome

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Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

Information about Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy in Leeds

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Vision and hearing in people with Down Syndrome

Vision and hearing in people with Down Syndrome

Information about issues with vision and hearing that often affect those with Down syndrome

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Toilet training

Toilet training

Intro here on toilet training

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Government Funding and Benefits

Government Funding and Benefits

Information about Disability Living Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Universal Credit, Tax Credits and Council Tax Reduction

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Blue Badge (Disability parking permit)

Blue Badge (Disability parking permit)

This is a permit for those with disabilities which allows them to park nearer to where they need to go.

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Charity grants and services

Charity grants and services

Information about charities that can provide practical and financial support

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Leeds Local Offer and Short Breaks

Leeds Local Offer and Short Breaks

Information from the local authority about what is available to children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in Leeds

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Training for school and nursery staff

Training for school and nursery staff

We can come into a nursery or school setting to provide some informal training on Down Syndrome

Find out more
Useful Educational Resources

Useful Educational Resources

Here we have collected together some links and resources that our families have found useful in helping their children with Down Syndrome with their learning. 

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Mainstream and Specialist Provision in Leeds

Mainstream and Specialist Provision in Leeds

Information about then types of schools available to your child or young person

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Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Some information from Ailith, our service manager on the EHCP process

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Education Teams and Services within Leeds

Education Teams and Services within Leeds

An outline of the main 3 teams you are likely to come in contact with

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Education Funding

Education Funding

A guide to Early Years and Primary School funding

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