My name is Marilyn F. I am a former Head of Mathematics and have a daughter with Down Syndrome. I am entering my third year as Educational Representative for Down Syndrome Norfolk.

Like everybody else, I am a voluntary worker and so my time is limited but I am here to offer support to any parent who feels they need it. I may be able to explain the system, which can seem confusing at times, or to help with any problems with your child's education or you may just like a friendly person alongside you at a Statement Review Meeting.

In fact any educational topic you feel you need some help with please contact me and if I cannot help I will endeavour to find someone who can.

The majority of children with Down Syndrome start their education in main stream and many continue in main stream through Secondary too, although the trend does seem to be that many choose a Special School place as the child gets older, for various reasons.

Our aim is to offer support to parents and schools, whichever type of school you have chosen for your child.

Some of you may remember the links meetings that DSN held once a half term at various locations across the County some years ago. We are finding that now we have a 'new generation' of support assistants, teachers and parents that there is a demand for this training to recommence and we are hoping to revive links in the near future.

For those who do not remember links, it was an opportunity for parents, support workers, teachers, and anyone who felt they could benefit really, to attend training sessions on different topics to do with our children. e.g learning to read, numeracy, behaviour

Once a year also, we held a day conference with guest speakers and workshops.

At present we will concentrate on trying to resume the half-termly meetings, deliberately in the evenings and at different places across the County to make as accessible to all.

So watch this space!

If in the meantime you do need to contact me my details are on this site.

Marilyn F. BSc. P.G.C.E.