Our project aims to improve support for pupils with SEND and foster more inclusive practice in schools. While our toolkit is specifically designed for children and young people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q), it also has relevance and application for the wider SEND population.
To date, we have been working with young people with 22q, their parents and educators. Pupils with 22q often face complex educational and socio-emotional challenges in school and this toolkit offers practical, co-designed resources aimed at promoting awareness and improving inclusion and tailored support. Feedback from educators has been positive and we hope that many schools will access these resources.
Toolkit:
Infographic Poster
This infographic is aimed at the general school population and offers a brief overview of some of the key challenges for pupils with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. This can be printed as a poster and displayed in reception areas, staff rooms or similar; circulated universally by email; added to staff/parent newsletters; or used to inform individual pupil support.
See version created for one-to-one personalised support. With this template, the young person’s own unique voice can be added to inform meaningful support.
Pocket guide
This resource gives a more detailed overview of 22q and the main associated challenges. Bite-size summaries of support needs and suggested actions for staff on how to support pupils in a classroom and beyond are included. This guide is aimed primarily at teachers or support staff working directly with these young people and who may not have received any prior training.
Video for Peers
This video is voiced by a young person with 22q and is designed to give a brief overview of the condition and some of the day-to-day difficulties children and young people experience. It is specifically aimed at school peers and can be used to promote broader awareness and encourage greater inclusion.
Additional Resources:
- MaxAppeal is a UK charity for 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: https://www.maxappeal.org.uk/
- 22q Ireland is an Irish charity: https://www.22q11ireland.org/ .They have a YouTube channel with a host of informational videos: http://www.youtube.com/@22qIreland. Guide for schools and teachers: https://youtu.be/9UbBa5tWaVw?si=0Byla00FQEZqeywR
- 22q11 Europe is a European charity: https://www.22q11ireland.org/. They have a YouTube channel containing useful videos about 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: www.youtube.com/@22q11europe
Publications and Dissemination:
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Gudbrandsen, M. & Jayman, M. (2025). Fostering healthy schools for students with SEND through co-production: Creating an educational toolkit to support young people with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Frontiers in Education, 10, Article 1655848. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1655848 (frontiersin.org)
- For the World Education Summit (WES) – we co-produced a video entitled Mental Wellbeing Support for Pupils with SEND: https://weslegacy.com/sessions/100834
- Jayman, M., Edmonds, S., & Gudbrandsen, M. (2025). Driving Innovation to Support Pupils with SEND Through Co-Production in Education and Research: Participatory Action Research with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Families in England. Behavioral Sciences, 15(1), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15010022
- Jayman, M. & Gudbrandsen, M. (2024). Beyond awareness: Championing disability-related justice and inclusion in education and research – A response to Dr Jones. The Psychology of Education Review. 48 (1).
- Gudbrandsen, M. & Howden, A. (2024). Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Pupils with SEND in Schools. The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice. Jayman, M., Glazzard, J., Rose, A. & Quickfall, A. (eds.). Emerald Group Publishing Ltd., p. 135-153
- Jayman, M., Glazzard, J., Rose, A., & Quickfall, A. (2024). The BERA Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing in Schools: Exploring Frontline Support in Educational Research and Practice. Emerald Publishing.