Attention, working memory, task initiation, organisation and helpful teaching
Why a pupil may know the work but struggle to show it consistently.
ADHD and Learning
A pupil may understand the subject but struggle to show what they know consistently because attention, working memory, processing, time awareness or task initiation make the work harder to organise and complete.
Starting
- Difficulty knowing where to begin
- Overwhelm with large tasks
- Need for a visible first step
Staying with it
- Distractibility
- Loss of focus
- Need for movement
- Difficulty with repetitive work
Finishing
- Time blindness
- Forgetting final steps
- Rushing
- Losing track of homework or equipment
Helpful Teaching Approaches
- Give short, clear instructions
- Break long tasks into manageable stages
- Use visual reminders and checklists
- Check understanding without embarrassment
- Provide movement opportunities
- Use positive, specific feedback
- Help plan equipment and homework
- Reduce unnecessary copying and cognitive load where appropriate
NHS guidance suggests clear simple instructions, visible to-do lists and breaking tasks into shorter periods with breaks.
Support across the UK
Education systems differ across the four nations. Use the route for where the child is educated.
England
SEN Support and EHCPs operate under the Children and Families Act 2014 and SEND Code of Practice.
Wales
Wales uses the Additional Learning Needs system and Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
Scotland
Scotland uses Additional Support for Learning and may use plans including Co-ordinated Support Plans where legal criteria are met.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses its SEN framework, Education Authority support and Statements of Special Educational Needs.
Right First Time UK — Information Notice
Right First Time UK provides general information, awareness resources and signposting. We are not a school, local authority, NHS diagnostic service, tribunal, law firm or regulated advice service.
Education law and terminology differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Check the official source for the country where the child is educated.