You don’t always need a diagnosis
Schools should support a child’s needs as they present, through SEN support, whether or not a formal ADHD diagnosis is in place.
Adjustments that help
- Movement breaks and flexible seating
- Instructions broken into clear steps
- Extra time and a quiet space for focus
- Predictable routines and visual prompts
When to go further
If SEN support is not enough, an Education, Health and Care needs assessment may be the next step.
Working with the school
Ask for a meeting, agree a written plan of support, and review it regularly so it keeps pace with your child.
The hardest part is rarely the rules. It is the jargon, the deadlines, and feeling alone against a system that does this every day while you are doing it for the first time.
We build AI that walks alongside families through exactly this: explaining the letters, suggesting what to ask for and when, and helping you put it in writing clearly.
See what we build for people →This guide is general information to help you understand the process. It is not legal advice and does not replace a qualified adviser or your local authority’s official guidance. Rules and timescales can change, so always check the current position for your area.
Common questions
Does my child need an ADHD diagnosis to get support?
No. Schools should support a child's needs as they present, through SEN support, whether or not a formal diagnosis is in place.
What adjustments can a school make for ADHD?
Common ones include movement breaks, flexible seating, instructions broken into clear steps, extra time, a quiet space to focus, and predictable routines with visual prompts.
What is SEN support?
It is the help a school puts in place below the level of an EHCP, agreed with you and reviewed regularly. If it is not enough, an EHCP assessment may be the next step.
Who should I speak to first?
Start with the school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). Ask for a meeting, agree a written plan of support, and set a date to review it.