Should you need urgent health advice please contact your GP or call NHS 111. In an emergency please visit A&E or call 999

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Early Development Groups

Down Syndrome UK is providing parents with the resources, knowledge, support and confidence to promote their child’s development.

PADS Early Development Group (PEGS) is a specialist course designed for parents of children with Down syndrome, starting from as early as 6 months old and continuing until the child starts school.
The course offers:

  • Research-based video activities to support communication, speech, early reading and number skills, fine motor development, and memory – all easily incorporated into daily routines at home.
  • Small online group sessions (30 minutes each) with up to five other parents, led by a dedicated Early Development Advisor (EDA) for ongoing advice, support, and encouragement.
  • A focus on peer support, helping families connect with others on a similar journey.

Families can access the videos at their convenience and attend regular live sessions at a pace that suits them. Down Syndrome UK subsidises the termly cost to keep it affordable and are committed to ensuring that no family is excluded for financial reasons.

More information, as well as how to register, can be found at the Down Syndrome UK website.

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Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust runs a confidential secure text messaging service for parents of children aged 0-19 years called Parentline. The service operates Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm, excluding bank holidays. All texts will be responded to by a public health practitioner within 24 hours. Outside of the service working hours, you’ll receive a message back to inform you that your text will be responded to once the line reopens.

  • Parents and carers of children aged 0-19:

    text

    07520619919

Should you require urgent health advice in the meantime, please contact your GP, visit an NHS walk-in centre or call NHS 111. For emergencies, dial 999 or visit A&E.

This page was last reviewed on 06-10-2025

This page will be next reviewed on 06-10-2027