Disability access, classroom changes, organisation, movement and assessment support
Practical adjustments that can reduce disadvantage and improve access to education.
Reasonable Adjustments and Accessibility
Where ADHD meets the legal disability definition, education providers must consider disability-discrimination duties. In Great Britain this includes the Equality Act 2010; Northern Ireland has a different disability and SEN legal framework.
Attention & distraction
- Preferential seating
- Reduced avoidable distractions
- Quiet working option
- Written backup to verbal instructions
Executive functioning
- Task checklists
- Visual schedules
- Extra planning time
- Reminders and prompts
- Breaking long work into stages
Movement & regulation
- Planned movement breaks
- Flexible seating
- Access to a regulation space
- Calm, private correction
Assessment
- Access arrangements where criteria are met
- Rest breaks
- Alternative room where appropriate
- Assistive technology where approved
Communication
- One instruction at a time
- Check understanding
- Allow processing time
- Avoid public shaming
Attendance access
- Supported arrival
- Named adult
- Reduced transition stress
- Planned reintegration after absence
The useful question is: what disadvantage is this pupil experiencing, what is causing it, and what reasonable change could reduce it?
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.