INTEGRATED CARE PATHWAY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DOWN SYNDROME

BUDDS: Barnet Unified Document for Down Syndrome

Website maintenance and queries

Dr Ella Rachamim, Community Paediatrician, Barnet

Dr Anna Petsas, parent representative for Barnet Leading Edge Group (LEG) for DS

Mrs Sandra Redman, Education Advisor for DS

Welcome to BUDDS
BUDDS provides clear, practical information to support individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) and those involved in their care. Our goal is to help families and professionals across health, education, and social care navigate local services and resources in Barnet.

About Down Syndrome and Barnet
Down Syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition, occurring in approximately 1 in 600-700 live births. In Barnet, around 6 babies are born with Down Syndrome annually. Whether you are a healthcare provider, educator, or carer, we aim to equip you with the knowledge to provide consistent, effective support.

Scope and Purpose of the Barnet Integrated Care Pathway
The Barnet Integrated Care Pathway offers a shared framework for professionals across different sectors to deliver holistic, person-centred care. Developed in collaboration with families and local experts, this pathway aligns with national guidance while addressing Barnet’s local services and needs.

The Down Syndrome Leading Edge Group—a multiprofessional group that includes individuals with lived experience—works collaboratively to promote coordinated care, improve service access, and enhance quality. Their insight and involvement ensure that this pathway reflects real-world experiences and local priorities.

Guiding Principles of the Pathway:

  • The right people: Multi-disciplinary teams providing expert care

  • In the right order: A clear, logical sequence of services

  • In the right place: Local resources accessible to families and professionals

  • Doing the right thing: Best practices based on evidence and experience

  • At the right time: Timely interventions for better outcomes

  • With the right outcomes: Person-centred, measurable improvements

The pathway does not replace core services but provides localised guidance on additional resources relevant to individuals with Down Syndrome. It helps professionals across sectors understand the local landscape, ensuring consistent, joined-up support throughout every life stage.

“Amazing! Especially love the appendices, so useful to have everything in one place.” Valerie, parent of a child with DS

”This is incredible, amazing!! Thank you so much!” Vicki, parent of a child with DS

”What a great resource, thank you!” Alison, parent of a child with DS

”This is incredible, thanks so much to all those involved in putting it together, it will make the world of difference in accessing useful information!” Radhika, parent of a child with DS

”Love the BUDDS website! The pathway is such a critical document.” Marilla, parent of a child with DS

”This is amazing! So much information to take in and the ease of accesssing what you need.” Milanski, parent of a child with DS

You have absolutely no idea the difference having a team invested in your child makes. This pathway brings expertise in Down Syndrome along with an entire network of people working together. Seriously, it’s amazing! Do not underestimate how important this piece of work is and most importantly the difference it will make to so many of our children and their families” Barrie, parent of a child with DS


”