The EDUCATION CENTRE for children with Down syndrome (ECCDS) is a charity dedicated to the education and development of children with Down syndrome.

The centre was founded by Maggie Hart a new parent and teacher along with a group of parents, family members, friends, education and health volunteers.

The Centre is committed to helping children and their parents acquire essential skills that will equip them to meet the future with confidence.

We are based in Newton Aycliffe with an outreach group in Hexham, and welcome children from across the North of England, including the counties of Durham, North Yorkshire, Cleveland, Tyne & Wear, Northumberland & Cumbria.

We run regular classes and other education activities specifically designed for children with Down syndrome.

We aim to empower parents to support their child's development by providing access to training and by sharing information and practical advice.

We keep up to date with the latest research being published, both nationally and internationally and we share relevant information with parents and professionals.

We maintain a library of books and DVDs for use by parents and family.

We value children for who they are, whatever their disability, race, gender, social class or religion. Our mission is to enhance the education and development of children with Down syndrome by providing early intervention and enabling programmes which target their individual learning profiles. The Centre's activities reflect sound education
practices which have been developed as a result of academic researched
based outcomes. These services are delivered
in a manner which acknowledges the
uniqueness of the child and their right
to be treated with dignity and respect.