Picking a School Environment for Your ADHD Child
Every child with ADHD is different and has different requirements from their education to enable them to thrive. In this article, we discuss school environment options, their pros and cons and what kind of learning environment they offer to allow you to make the most informed decision possible for your child or young person with ADHD.
The Impact of the School Environment on ADHD and Why it Matters
The school environment has a deep impact on children and young people with ADHD, shaping both their academic and social development. It is crucial to recognise the significant positive impact that a supportive school environment can have on children with ADHD. The right environment can provide tailored support, accommodations, and interventions that enable children with ADHD to work with their brains instead of against them and begin to thrive personally and academically.
A school environment that offers individualised attention, structured yet flexible routines, and personalised support for executive function challenges can bring significant benefits for CYPs with ADHD. The right environment can play a vital role in their academic and personal growth by providing systems and strategies to help them stay organised, manage their time effectively, and regulate their emotions. Furthermore, fostering understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity enhances the self-esteem and overall well-being of children with ADHD. Therefore, carefully selecting a school environment for a child with ADHD is paramount in enabling them to achieve their full potential and fostering a positive attitude towards learning and social interactions.
The impact of the school environment on children with ADHD extends beyond academic performance; it also deeply influences their social and emotional well-being. A nurturing school environment provides opportunities for children with ADHD to develop social skills, form positive relationships, and feel a sense of belonging. By creating an inclusive and accepting atmosphere, schools can contribute significantly to the overall positive development of children with ADHD. Therefore, thoughtful consideration of the school environment is essential when making educational decisions for these children.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a School for Your ADHD Child
When considering a school for a child with ADHD, it's crucial to carefully assess several vital factors to ensure the environment is supportive and conducive to their academic and personal growth. Teacher training and experience with ADHD children is paramount, as educators with specific training in supporting students with ADHD and creating an inclusive classroom environment can provide invaluable support.
Additionally, the provision of individual attention is vital. Children with ADHD often benefit from personalised support and guidance, so evaluating the student-to-teacher ratio and the school's approach to addressing individual learning needs is essential. Lastly, the availability of comprehensive support services, including counselling and/or access to an educational psychologist, executive function skill development, and a strong ethos of holistic working with everyone involved in the ecosystem should be considered. A school that offers tailored support services can significantly contribute to the academic success and overall well-being of a child with ADHD.
Teacher training and experience with ADHD children.
Teachers at your chosen school must have appropriate training and experience in teaching children with ADHD in neuro-inclusive ways. Educators who have received specific training in supporting students with ADHD and creating an inclusive classroom environment can provide invaluable support to students with ADHD. Understanding these students' unique learning styles and needs allows teachers to adapt their teaching methods and create a supportive learning environment where all students can thrive. Additionally, teachers with experience in teaching children with ADHD are better equipped to recognise and address individual learning needs, provide tailored support, and implement effective strategies to help students manage their symptoms and succeed academically. Their expertise contributes to a positive and nurturing school environment that promotes the academic and personal growth of children with ADHD.
When trained in neuro-inclusive methods, teachers can create an environment that celebrates neurodiversity and fosters understanding and acceptance. This not only benefits students with ADHD but also promotes empathy and inclusivity among all students. By incorporating neuro-inclusive practices, teachers can create an atmosphere where every student feels valued, understood, and supported. This approach enhances academic success and contributes to the social and emotional well-being of all students, promoting a positive and inclusive school culture. Therefore, ensuring teachers have appropriate training and experience in teaching children with ADHD in neuro-inclusive ways is essential in creating a supportive and enriching educational experience for all students.
Individual attention
Individualised attention is crucial for students with ADHD as it allows for tailored support and guidance to address their specific academic and behavioural needs. When students with ADHD receive sufficient individualised attention, teachers can better understand their unique learning styles and provide targeted interventions to help them manage their symptoms effectively. This personalised approach can significantly impact the academic outcomes of students with ADHD, leading to improved performance and a greater sense of achievement. Additionally, individualised attention creates a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters the student's overall well-being, enhancing their confidence and positive attitude towards learning.
The impact of individualised attention extends beyond academic success and encompasses the social and emotional development of students with ADHD. Students receiving personalised support are more likely to feel understood, valued, and included in the classroom community. This, in turn, contributes to the development of positive social relationships, improved self-esteem, and a sense of belonging. By ensuring that students with ADHD receive enough individualised attention, schools can create an environment where these students can thrive academically and socially, leading to more positive outcomes and overall well-being.
Pastoral Support
Pastoral support plays a crucial role in all students' overall well-being and development, including those with ADHD. It encompasses various non-academic support that addresses students' personal, social, and emotional needs. For students with ADHD, adequate pastoral support is particularly essential in providing strategies to manage their symptoms, addressing any social and emotional challenges, and fostering a positive sense of self. When selecting a school, looking for a robust pastoral support system that includes access to counsellors, mentors, and support groups is essential. Schools with a robust pastoral support framework often offer well-being initiatives, such as mindfulness activities and stress management programs, that can benefit students with ADHD and contribute to a positive school experience.
Specifically, when assessing a school's pastoral support for students with ADHD, it is important to look for knowledgeable staff members about ADHD and its impact on students. The presence of dedicated ADHD support programs or resources, such as ADHD-specific counselling or support groups, can indicate a school's commitment to addressing the unique pastoral needs of students with ADHD. Furthermore, a proactive approach to involving parents in the pastoral care process and open communication channels between the school and families can significantly contribute to the holistic support of students with ADHD within the school environment. A comprehensive pastoral support system that recognises and addresses the specific needs of students with ADHD is instrumental in creating an inclusive and nurturing educational setting.
Class and School Size
The size of classes and schools can significantly impact pupil outcomes, particularly for students with ADHD. Smaller class sizes often offer a more conducive environment for students with ADHD as they allow for increased individualised attention and support. In smaller classes, teachers can better address the specific learning needs of students with ADHD, provide personalised guidance, and implement tailored strategies to help them stay focused and engaged. Moreover, students in smaller classes may experience reduced distractions, leading to improved focus and academic performance. Similarly, smaller schools may provide a more supportive setting for students with ADHD by fostering a sense of community and offering a more personalised approach to education.
In contrast, larger class sizes and schools can pose challenges for students with ADHD. In larger classes, it may be more difficult for teachers to provide individual attention and support, leading to potential difficulties in managing ADHD symptoms and academic progress. Additionally, larger schools may present heightened sensory stimuli and social dynamics, potentially overwhelming students with ADHD. Therefore, for students with ADHD, smaller class sizes and schools with a personal, supportive atmosphere that prioritises individualised attention and understanding of diverse learning needs may be more suitable for fostering academic and personal growth.
Types of Schools for ADHD Children
State Schools
In the UK, state schools are free at the point of access and are funded primarily by their local authority and central government through taxation. State schools typically have larger class sizes than any other type of school we will be describing today, with 30 pupils per class and one class teacher.
Best for: children and young people who are highly engaged in their education and have good attendance. Due to the lack of individualised attention and flexibility, they are also likely to be best for those who do not have any SEND or SEMH support needs.
Pros: State schools are required by law to provide support for all pupils, which gives a parent or carer a legal grounding if the education delivered does not meet their child's needs.
Cons: state schools typically have the largest classroom sizes of all on the list and, therefore, need more ability to be adaptable or provide high levels of individualised attention. Another common concern within state schools is that of bullying.
Private Schools
In the UK, Private Schools are schools that are not administered or funded by the government. Private schools charge a termly or annual fee to the parent or carer of each pupil. In addition, private schools are not required to follow the national curriculum.
Best for: Due to their smaller size, private schools are best placed to support children and young people who will benefit from individualised and targeted support but who are already engaged with their education and achieve well academically. This is due to the lack of specific support services for SEND and SEMH needs.
Pros: The biggest benefit of private schools is their smaller classroom sizes, which allow for more adaptability and individualised attention. In addition, they typically have better facilities due to increased income from fees and donors.
Cons: Unlike state schools, teachers in private schools are not required to hold a formal teaching qualification, which may result in a disparity in the quality of education. In addition, private schools can be prohibitively expensive for most families.
Homeschooling
Homeschooling, also known as elective home education, is an option where the child or young person's parent/guardian chooses to deregister their child from formal education and agree to take legal responsibility for providing their education. This is often an option chosen by parents whose children have ADHD or another SEND or SEMH support need that is not being met by their current school.
Best for: Homeschooling is best for children or young people whose needs are not being met in mainstream education and for whom the other options are not financially viable.
Pros: Children and young people who are home-educated will receive the highest levels of individualised attention and adaptability.
Cons: They will likely not have access to experts for all subjects they are studying. In addition, they are unlikely to have all the adequate facilities available to them (e.g., science labs for experiments).
Hybrid Schools
Hybrid schools and/or flexi schooling are methods of delivery that combine various methods, including an online element. Gaia Learning is an example of this. We are an online education ecosystem that works with schools, local authorities, and parents/guardians to deliver personalised education solutions.
Best for: children or young people with SEND or SEMH needs who need a flexible, personalised plan of support.
Pros: is very flexible to each learners needs, is delivered by fully qualified teachers, and works in partnership with the learner's bricks and mortar school (if they have one) as well as anyone involved in their EHCP (where they have one).
Cons: It requires access to appropriate technology and Wi-Fi, which may not be accessible to some.
3 Tips for Choosing a School for Your ADHD Child
Tip 1 - Visit the School with your Child
It is incredibly important that you visit whatever school you are considering and that you take your child with you. If it is an online school, we recommend asking to attend a free taster session.
This tip is to ensure that what the school is telling you about their delivery and ethos is accurate and that your child or young person feels comfortable in their environment.
Tip 2 - Speak to Other Parents Whose Children Attend the School
This tip allows you to look beyond the school's glossy marketing and hear directly from those who have children already attending (and hopefully thriving) within the school community.
Make sure you know what is most important to you, and have some questions ready to ask them.
Tip 3 - Ask Your Child What They Need
We will provide you with some insight regarding the support children with ADHD need and how they can thrive, but every child with ADHD will be different, and they know themselves and their support needs best. Make sure that you include them in the process.
ADHD and the School Environment: Your Questions Answered
What is the best school style for ADHD?
Every learner with ADHD is different and has different support needs. Still, generally speaking, you will be looking for a school that:
Can offer high levels of individualised attention
Is flexible and willing to change delivery methods to support your child
Has smaller class sizes
Has an inclusive behaviour policy (i.e., does not penalise learners who can't sit still, move around a lot, ask lots of questions, don't maintain eye contact)
Who pro-actively supports learners who have SEND and SEMH support needs
How does an ADHD child learn best?
Some of the ways that ADHD children learn best are:
Being given clear instructions that if delivered orally, also have a written copy
Able to have movement breaks regularly
Through project and interest-based learning
Having well-structured days
When their parent/guardian has a strong working relationship and open communication with their teacher
What is the best learning style for a child with ADHD?
There is no one 'best' learning style for children with ADHD, and you must take time to figure out what your child or young person's learning style is.
However, it is common for children with ADHD to exhibit higher levels of creative working than those without ADHD, so incorporating a creative outlet/creative element into their learning is likely to be beneficial.
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