What can I do as a parent to support my child with…ADHD?

General points

  • Make sure your child knows what is expected of them. Reinforce positive behaviour with immediate praise / reward and use enforceable consequences if boundaries are overstepped.
  • Be specific about what your child has done well and give praise accordingly and what they have done incorrectly and could do better next time.
  • If your child is taking medication, ensure they take this correctly. If their medication changes please let school know.
  • Encourage movement and exercise. This stimulates areas of the brain needed for focus and attention.

Before school

  • Have a set routine that your child can follow the night before and the morning of school. Break this down into steps so they know exactly what it is they have to do.
  • Give brief instructions and be specific. Instead of asking, “Get ready for school now” say, “Put your school uniform on and then brush your teeth”. 
  • Help your child pack their school bag to ensure they have all their equipment. You could use a visual list to help prompt.

After school

  • Encourage your child to attend homework club to get help and support to complete their homework.
  • Have a set time and place that your child can complete homework away from distractions.
  • Encourage your child to stick to a bedtime routine – help them to get to bed at the same time each night and discourage over-stimulating activities (such as TV or gaming) in the hours before bed.

What can I do to support myself with my… ADHD?

General points

  • Consider practising mindfulness to help improve my concentration.

Before school

  • Pack my school bag the night before and double check in the morning to make sure I have everything I need. Ask for help if I’m unsure. 
  • Use tools and apps to keep me organised. Make lists and set phone reminders to help me remember things. 
  • If I take medication for my ADHD make sure I do this correctly. If I forget, tell my parents or the SEND team so they’re aware and can help.

At school

  • Ask teachers if I can complete any jobs in the classroom (like handing out books) to help me be active in a controlled way.
  • Eat a healthy and balanced meal for lunch. Try to avoid caffeine and sugar as these are stimulants and could make my symptoms worse.
  • If I feel myself becoming frustrated or overstimulated, tell a member of staff and safely remove myself from the situation. 

After school

  • Turn off my phone when doing homework to reduce distractions 
  • Get plenty of exercise! This will help to improve my concentration and my mood. 
  • Stick to the same bedtime routine each night. Go to bed at the same time and stay away from screens in the hours before bed.

What are we doing as a school to help students with… ADHD?

Before the student arrives at Archbishop Holgates

  • Meg Holmes, the school’s SENDCo, attends the student’s last EHCP / MSP review of Year 6 to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school. She also talks to the student’s primary school teachers to discuss strategies the student currently uses and whether these are applicable to a secondary setting.

General points

  • A child with ADHD would be added onto the SEND register so all staff were aware of these additional needs
  • Students have a planner to record homework tasks and key upcoming dates.
  • The Year Team Pastoral staff check in with students to make sure everything is working well.
  • If needed, students can have permission to use blutac as a  fiddle toy in lessons to help with their concentration and focus. We use blutac as it complies with exam regulations and is the least distracting to others in the class
  • Students are seated in the classroom to minimise distractions 
  • Mindfulness techniques are encouraged and students work through mindfulness booklets in form time and in the intervention room.
  • Students are given a safe place to go if they are feeling overwhelmed.  
  • Homework club is available for students to stay organised and receive help with subject content. 
  • Lessons are structured into short, achievable tasks – we have regular CPD to upskill staff and help them continue to deliver quality first teaching
  • Currently, every time an AHS child is diagnosed with ADHD from CAMHS the school are offered free online training, this is shared with all AHS staff everytime it is offered

I think my child might have ADHD…what next?

  • Feel free to get in touch with the SEND team to discuss your thoughts. Diagnosis is not necessary but may be useful for you and your child for a variety of reasons. Diagnosis can be sought privately or through CAMHS. You can refer via your GP or directly. Please get in touch with the SEND team if you need support. 

Key websites for more information: