Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects behaviour and includes symptoms of inattentiveness, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

There are different types of ADHD. The hyperactive-impulsive type is the most common, but some people have the inattentive type. Some have a combination of both. 

Hyperactivity-impulsivity: People with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD often appear to be "on the go" or driven by a motor. They might:

• Fidget and squirm often
• Walk around the classroom
• Stand up frequently 
• Struggle to wait patiently
• Interrupt others
• Blurt out answers prematurely
• Talk too much, too quickly or too loudly
• Struggle to regulate their emotions (e.g. anger)
• Struggle to maintain positive relationships due to heightened emotions

Inattention: People with the inattentive type of ADHD often fail to give close attention to details. They struggle to follow instructions and stay on task, which can lead to careless mistakes. They might:

• Make careless mistakes
• Struggle to sustain attention
• Zone out of a conversation 
• Struggle to follow through on instructions
• Forget their homework
• Lose their equipment
• Avoid activities which require a sustained effort

You can find out more about ADHD here: https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/issue/adhd-professionals/

All of our staff have access to a range of key strategies they use in lessons. The strategies we recommend include:

• Provide students with visual copies of instructions. 
• Use model examples where possible.
• Break instructions down into smaller chunks.
• Check in with the student regularly.
• Provide checklists so that the student can track their own progress.
• For essays, encourage students to write their ideas onto cue cards in any order. They can organise these cue cards into a logical order afterwards.
• If appropriate, allow students to take a 3 minute break. This can provide a reset, improving levels of focus.
• Encourage students to reflect on their mistakes so they understand the link between cause and effect.
• Firm and consistent boundaries are important. 
• Rewards and consequences should be immediate if possible.
• Frame feedback positively - e.g. ‘Sit facing forwards’
• Prompt the student calmly if they lose focus.

We also recommend parents implement the following strategies at home:

• Establish a routine: Have a predictable daily schedule for meals, homework, play, and bedtime.
• Use visual aids: Charts, calendars, and checklists can help the child know what to expect and stay on track.
• Set clear expectations: Define rules and consequences clearly and enforce them consistently.
• Focus on strengths: Celebrate small achievements and progress.
• Reward good behaviour: Use a reward system, such as stickers or points, for tasks completed or good behaviour.
• Be specific with praise: Highlight exactly what they did well (e.g., “I love how you finished your homework on time!”).
• Use immediate feedback: Provide consequences or rewards right after the behaviour to help the child connect actions with outcomes.
• Redirect impulsive behaviour: Teach the child to pause and think before acting by using simple cues like “Stop and think.”
• Use tools: Help them organise schoolwork and belongings using folders, labelled bins, and planners.
• Practice time management: Use timers to create a sense of urgency and completion.
• Ensure adequate sleep: Set a calming bedtime routine to improve sleep quality.
• Encourage physical activity: Regular exercise can help manage ADHD symptoms.
• Provide a balanced diet: Limit sugar and processed foods, and encourage nutrient-rich meals.
• Model self-regulation: Show how to handle frustration calmly and effectively.
• Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing or yoga can help reduce impulsivity and anxiety.
• Develop problem-solving skills: Work together to come up with solutions to common challenges.

ADHD assessments can be completed by CAMHS or a private specialist. The waiting list for an assessment with CAMHS is around 2-3 years, although in some situations, it takes significantly longer. Private assessments cost at least £1000 and further appointments to discuss medication, if desired, cost additional money.

We are able to make a referral for ADHD to CAMHS, but are expected to follow a 10-12 week 'Watch and Wait' process prior to a referral. 

CAMHS request that both parents and teachers implement the recommended strategies for a minimum of 12 weeks before a referral is completed. 

In order to meet threshold, parents have to complete a course about supporting children with ADHD. Referrals which do not include information about the strategies used are generally rejected by CAMHS.

CAMHS recommend the following course with Barnardo's: https://www.barnardos.org.uk/what-we-do/services/hampshire-and-iow-support-neurodiverse-families

However, we often find there is a significant waiting list for the ADHD course through Barnardo's and some parents are being placed at the bottom of the list because their child has not yet been diagnosed. 

We therefore recommend parents read through the CAMHS leaflet about ADHD, which includes a range of strategies. The leaflet is available at https://hampshirecamhs.nhs.uk/issue/adhd-professionals/ CAMHS will request evidence that you have used these strategies at home for a period of 10-12 weeks.

You could also watch the webinar by CAMHS, which is available online. Although this focuses on challenging behaviour, CAMHS have accepted referrals when parents use the strategies recommended in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMPn3gTEh5Q 

If you would like to pursue an assessment through CAMHS, please let us know so that we can ask teachers to implement strategies across 10-12 weeks.

If you would like to pursue a private assessment, it is worth asking your GP whether they can recommend any private specialists. If the assessor is not recognised by the NHS, all follow-up appointments and medication have to be paid for privately.

Both parents/carers and teachers should be given the opportunity to provide feedback during any formal assessment. We aim to complete the forms sent to us as quickly as possible, but please be aware that it can take several days during busy periods.

If you have any questions, please contact us at senco@mountbatten.school