School complaints, additional-needs disputes, discrimination and escalation
Use the complaint or appeal route that matches the problem and the UK nation.
ADHD School Complaints
The correct route depends on what went wrong: ordinary school administration, additional-needs provision, disability discrimination, safeguarding, exclusion or a statutory-plan decision may use different processes.
Write what happened, dates, evidence, the duty or policy involved and the outcome you want.
This may be the teacher, SENCO/ALNCo/support lead, headteacher or another designated senior member of staff.
Keep copies of submissions and responses.
Depending on the nation and issue this may involve a local authority, tribunal, ombudsman, independent adjudication or other statutory route.
For example, tribunal or discrimination routes can have their own time limits.
Scotland
Northern Ireland
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.