ADHD in School: Support Strategies for UK Educators & Parents

Supporting a child with ADHD in a school setting can be both rewarding and challenging. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects a child’s ability to concentrate, manage impulses, and stay organised. In busy classrooms and at home, these difficulties can impact their academic performance and self-esteem. However, with the right support strategies, children with ADHD can thrive in their learning environments.

This blog outlines practical ways for teachers and parents in the UK to help children with ADHD maintain focus in school and beyond.

Understanding the Challenges

Children with ADHD often face specific difficulties that affect their ability to focus and succeed in traditional learning environments.

Difficulty sustaining attention Many children with ADHD struggle to maintain focus on tasks that require sustained mental effort. They may zone out during lessons or forget instructions shortly after hearing them.

High distractibility in busy environments Noisy classrooms, visual clutter, and frequent transitions can easily overwhelm a child with ADHD, making it hard for them to remain on task.

Impulsivity affecting class participation Impulsive behaviour may lead to calling out in class, interrupting peers, or rushing through tasks without thinking, which can affect classroom dynamics and the child’s academic outcomes.

Understanding these challenges is the first step towards building a more supportive and inclusive classroom experience.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Children with ADHD respond well to clear structure and predictable settings. A thoughtfully arranged classroom can help reduce distractions and support concentration.

Seating arrangements to minimise distractions Placing the child near the front of the class or close to the teacher can reduce external distractions and keep them engaged in the lesson.

Use of visual aids like schedules and cue cards Visual tools, such as wall charts, task cards, and checklists, provide structure and help children track what is expected of them throughout the day.

Predictable structure and classroom routine Maintaining consistent routines for lessons, transitions, and breaks helps children with ADHD feel secure and better prepared to focus.

By minimising unpredictability and offering clear guidance, teachers can create an environment where children with ADHD can stay grounded and engaged.

Working with Teachers

Parental collaboration with teachers is crucial for supporting children with ADHD. Open communication and shared strategies form the backbone of effective support.

Open parent-teacher communication Regular meetings or emails between teachers and parents ensure everyone is on the same page about the child’s needs, behaviour, and progress.

Establishing shared strategies and goals Both parties should agree on consistent approaches to behaviour management, reward systems, and learning support so the child experiences continuity across home and school.

Using Individual Education Plans (IEPs) For some children, an Individual Education Plan may be developed to document agreed adaptations such as extended time on tasks, use of fidget tools, or movement breaks.

When teachers and families work together, children are more likely to feel supported and understood.

Effective Strategies to Improve Focus

Helping a child with ADHD to focus involves practical, everyday strategies. These small adjustments can make a big difference in their ability to concentrate and learn.

Break Tasks into Manageable Steps

Large or complex assignments can feel overwhelming. Breaking them into smaller chunks with clear instructions makes tasks feel more achievable and reduces avoidance behaviours.

Use of Visual Timers and Prompts

Visual timers help children understand how long they need to focus on a task and when a break is coming. Prompt cards can remind them of key behaviours, such as listening or checking work.

Provide Regular, Constructive Feedback

Children with ADHD benefit from frequent feedback that is positive and specific. Rather than saying “good job,” try “you did really well staying seated during that activity.”

Build in Frequent, Short Breaks

Allowing short breaks between tasks or after periods of focus helps children release excess energy and return to their work feeling refreshed.

Supporting Focus Outside the Classroom

Focus and behaviour in school are heavily influenced by what happens at home. Parents can support learning by building a calm and structured home environment.

Consistent routines at home Predictable routines for waking up, meals, and homework give structure to the child’s day and promote a sense of stability.

Healthy sleep and nutrition habits Sleep and diet can have a strong impact on attention and mood. Ensure the child gets sufficient rest and balanced meals, limiting sugar and caffeine intake where possible.

Homework setup in a low-distraction zone Set up a quiet, tidy homework space without screens or noise, and keep materials like pencils, paper, and a timer nearby to support independent working.

When the home environment aligns with the child’s needs, it reinforces focus and confidence during the school day.

Encouraging Movement and Mindfulness

Children with ADHD often need regular physical activity and calming strategies to manage their attention and emotions.

Physical activity to release excess energy Short bursts of movement—such as stretching, walking, or playing outside—can help children release energy and improve focus afterwards.

Short mindfulness or breathing exercises Even a few minutes of breathing, meditation, or quiet reflection can help settle an overstimulated mind. These activities can be practised at school or at home.

Regular movement and calm-down strategies promote better self-regulation and support emotional well-being.

Reinforcing Positive Behaviour

Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment for children with ADHD. It helps them feel noticed for doing well and motivates future success.

Praise and encouragement Frequent praise for effort and improvement builds confidence and reinforces desired behaviours.

Token or reward systems for task completion Simple reward charts or token systems can be used to track positive behaviours and offer small incentives like extra break time or a favourite activity.

Set clear expectations with visual rules Posting classroom or household rules using pictures and short phrases helps children understand and remember what’s expected.

Celebrating effort and consistency helps children with ADHD feel successful, not just corrected.

Monitoring Progress Over Time

Supporting a child with ADHD is an evolving process. Monitoring progress helps identify what works and where changes may be needed.

Regular check-ins with teachers Scheduled updates allow teachers and parents to share what’s going well and discuss challenges.

Adjusting strategies based on child’s response If a strategy isn’t working, it’s okay to adapt. Every child is different, and flexibility is key to finding the right support methods.

Celebrating improvements, however small Even small steps—like sitting through a lesson or completing homework independently—deserve recognition. Progress looks different for every child.

Regular review and encouragement show the child that growth is always possible.

FAQs

What are the best ways to help a child with ADHD focus in class? Use of visual aids, regular breaks, and breaking tasks into steps are effective strategies. Collaborating with the teacher and offering praise also helps maintain attention.

Should I tell the school about my child’s ADHD diagnosis? Yes, informing the school allows teachers to put the right support in place. This can include classroom accommodations or an Individual Education Plan.

How can I support my child with ADHD at home? Establish routines, create a quiet homework space, and encourage physical activity. Healthy sleep and eating habits also support attention and behaviour.

Do children with ADHD need medication to focus in school? Not always. Many children benefit from a combination of behavioural strategies, school support, and in some cases, medication. Consult your GP or a specialist for guidance.

Can ADHD affect emotional regulation? Yes. Children with ADHD often find it harder to manage emotions. Strategies like mindfulness, movement breaks, and positive reinforcement can help with this.