ADHD Support / Advice & next steps
Questions to ask your SENCO about ADHD
A useful meeting does not require you to persuade school that every difficulty is caused by ADHD. Focus on the barriers everyone can observe and the support that may help.
Quick answer
Ask the SENCO how ADHD-related needs affect access to learning, which adjustments are happening now, how consistently staff use them and what evidence will be reviewed. Include organisation, working memory, movement, regulation, transitions and the child’s own view rather than discussing attention alone.
What this means
Prepare a short list of examples and decide which outcome matters most now. Ask the SENCO to explain the current SEN Support plan, how classroom staff are informed and what happens when the child becomes overwhelmed or misses instructions. Discuss strengths and successful lessons as well as difficulties so the plan can build on what already works.
The same child may need different support for written work, practical lessons, homework, lunch, transitions and assessment conditions. A plan should be specific enough for staff to use across contexts.
If the child is awaiting diagnosis, school can still assess and support identified needs. Health assessment and education support are related but separate routes.
Questions to ask
Where and when does the child find it hardest to access learning?
What support already helps, and is it used consistently?
How are organisation, transitions and emotional regulation being supported?
What actions will be recorded and when will we review them?
Local Northamptonshire route
The school SENCO remains the main education contact. North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire have separate Local Offer and SENDIASS services for free impartial information. Diagnostic referral questions should be checked with the current health pathway rather than treated as a condition of school support.
Free support and useful links
External free resource
West Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in West Northamptonshire.
External free resource
North Northamptonshire SENDIASS
Free, impartial SEND information, advice and support for families in North Northamptonshire.
External free resource
Northamptonshire Local Offer
Local SEND information, services and support routes for children and young people.
External free resource
GOV.UK SEND information
Official information about special educational needs, EHC plans and support.
External free resource
IPSEA
Free SEND law information and resources for parents and carers.
External free resource
Council for Disabled Children
National resources and information about SEND support and policy.
Professional help is available if you need it
Families can prepare for a SENCO meeting themselves and use free SENDIASS guidance. Independent support is optional if communication has stalled or you want help organising complex evidence.
What happens next?
Ask for the agreed actions in the written plan and check that staff know how to use them. Review impact on access, learning and wellbeing. If support remains insufficient, discuss specialist advice or further assessment without assuming paid support is required.
Support that may help
School SENCO · Class teacher or tutor · SENDIASS · GP or ADHD service, for health questions
Related guidance
SEND Lantern provides general information to help families understand possible next steps. It does not replace legal, medical or local authority advice.
Independent guidance for families
SEND Lantern is an independent guidance platform operated by SEND Lantern Ltd. We help families explore special educational needs and disabilities support, possible next steps and relevant services. SEND Lantern is not part of the NHS, a local authority, a school or any individual service provider. Information on this website is general guidance and should not be treated as medical, legal or educational advice.