SEN/ALN/ASN support, practical strategies and help before or after diagnosis
How schools can identify barriers, put support in place and review whether it is working.
School Support for ADHD
A child does not have to wait for an ADHD diagnosis before educational needs are supported. If a pupil has difficulties with attention, organisation, working memory, regulation, communication, attendance or learning, school should consider what support is needed now.
NHS guidance recommends speaking with the SENCO or school nurse about changes that may help, and NHS/NICE guidance recognises school liaison as an important part of ADHD support.
Assess
Gather school, family and pupil evidence about strengths, difficulties and barriers.
Plan
Agree provision, adjustments, outcomes, responsible staff and review dates.
Do
Deliver the support consistently across the school day.
Review
Check whether learning, wellbeing, attendance and participation have improved.
Practical Support Schools Can Consider
Teaching
- Short, clear instructions
- One step at a time where needed
- Chunked tasks
- Visual instructions and checklists
- Frequent low-key check-ins
Organisation
- Homework reminders
- Equipment prompts
- Colour coding
- Planner support
- Help starting and finishing tasks
Regulation
- Planned movement
- Quiet regulation space
- Trusted adult
- Calm correction
- Predictable routines
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.