Instagram Facebook-f

Early Years

A smiling baby with Down syndrome wearing a tartan dress holds hands with an adult during a Sundowns baby group session on a soft play mat.

“Sundowns is our extended family.”

We know the early years after a Down syndrome diagnosis can be filled with questions, new experiences – and so much love. That’s why Sundowns offers Signing for Babies, a warm and welcoming group designed for children aged 0–5 and their families.

Held at Seacombe Children’s Centre, our sessions focus on using Makaton (a sign-supported communication system) to help babies and toddlers express themselves, while building strong bonds between parents and a supportive community of peers.

“Awesome! Friendly supportive environment with people who ‘get it’. We’ve gained so much more from it than just signing.”
Signing For Babies Parent
“Welcoming and like a second family, the group has helped Noah out but helped me even more.”
Chelsea - Signing for Babies Parent
“…it’s been so lovely to share this experience with other parents who just ‘get it’ and to get to know all the gorgeous babies.”
Signing For Babies Parent
A group of parents and children, including a girl with Down syndrome, sit in a circle on a colourful sensory mat as a woman reads a storybook. Three staff members in matching blue polo shirts lead the interactive session.

What Happens in a Session?

Our Signing for Babies classes are:

  • Relaxed and friendly

  • Led by experienced volunteers

  • Open to all levels – no previous signing experience needed

Each week, we explore songs, stories, and signs in a calm, inclusive environment. But it’s about more than just learning Makaton – it’s about connection, understanding, and shared experience.

Four women from the Sundowns team standing in a line indoors, smiling at the camera. They are all wearing bright blue Sundowns polo shirts. Behind them is a large window letting in natural light and a display board labelled 'Baby Hub'.

Our Signing For Babies Team

The majority of our team are parents who’ve stood exactly where you are now – they have children with Down syndrome and first came to the group when their babies were just a few months old. Like many families, they found a safe haven here, a place of connection, encouragement, and understanding.

As their children grew and started school, they felt drawn to give something back to the group that had supported them through those early days.

So they returned, not just as parents, but as volunteers, here to welcome and support others beginning their journey.

Together, they form a team rooted in lived experience, empathy and kindness.

At the heart of it all is a shared belief: that families thrive when they are supported – and that no one should feel they’re going through this alone.

We’re more than a group. We’re family. And we’re so glad you’re here.

Where & When

📍Seacombe Children’s Centre
📅 Fridays during term time 10 AM – 12 PM 

Sessions are free to attend, and open to any family with a child with Down syndrome or a rare chromosome disorder aged 0–5.