Building a strong record for support, reviews, plans, complaints and appeals
How to organise evidence so the need, impact and requested support are easy to understand.
ADHD Evidence
Good evidence explains the need, its impact, what has already been tried, what happened, and what further support is being requested.
School evidence
- Reports and attainment data
- Attendance records
- Behaviour logs
- Support plans
- Examples of work
- Records of adjustments
Professional evidence
- ADHD assessment or diagnosis
- Paediatric or psychiatry reports
- Educational psychology
- Therapy reports
- GP or mental health evidence
Pupil and family evidence
- Pupil views
- Parent diary
- Emails
- Meeting notes
- Homework examples
- Records of distress and recovery
1. Need
What is happening?
2. Impact
How does it affect learning, attendance or wellbeing?
3. Support
What has been tried and for how long?
4. Request
What specific change or provision is sought?
Do not ignore evidence of educational need simply because an ADHD assessment is still pending.
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.