At St John’s, we recognise and celebrate the unique strengths, creativity and energy that children with ADHD bring to our school. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental difference that affects attention, impulse control and activity levels. No two children experience ADHD in the same way, and our role is to understand each child’s individual needs so they can thrive both academically and socially.
Our approach focuses on understanding, structure and encouragement.
In school, we:
Provide clear, predictable routines and visual prompts to help children know what to expect and stay on track.
Offer movement breaks and opportunities for physical regulation throughout the day, recognising that some children need to move to focus.
Use positive behaviour strategies that emphasise praise, encouragement and self-regulation rather than consequences.
Adapt learning tasks to include short, focused activities with achievable goals that build confidence and concentration.
Support children in developing organisation and planning skills, using visuals, timers and reminders where helpful.
Create calm spaces across the school where children can take a moment to refocus or regulate when needed.
Work in close partnership with parents, carers and professionals to ensure consistency of approach between home and school.
Staff across the school continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of ADHD through our involvement in the PINS project and other professional training. This ensures that our provision remains inclusive, flexible and effective.
If you would like to learn more about ADHD or access support, the following resources may be useful:
If you have concerns that your child may be showing signs of ADHD, please speak to their class teacher or to our SENDCo, who can discuss observations, support strategies and next steps. Together, we can ensure your child feels understood, supported and able to shine.