Know your rights: Equality Act 2010 and SEND Code of Practice
Understanding the legal framework is essential. The Equality Act 2010 and the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Code of Practice are key legislations that protect children with ADHD.
Equality Act 2010 is the law that says when people and organisations have to make changes so disabled people aren't disadvantaged. Disabled children are entitled to reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs. This means that schools must take steps to remove barriers and provide equal opportunities for these students. It is easy to think that treating everybody fairly means treating them the same. However, because of the barriers that disabled people face, the school has a legal obligation to treat disabled people more favourably to enable them to work effectively and productively – this is the essence of making a reasonable adjustment. Adjustments either remove or reduce the effect of barriers so that all children can flourish.
The SEND Code of Practice provides statutory guidance on the duties of schools to identify and meet the needs of children with special educational needs (SEN). Schools should have a clear policy outlining the support pathway for children on the SEN register, including those with ADHD. This policy should detail how the school plans to support these children and ensure their needs are met.
Clear and Regular Communication
Regular communication between parents and the school is crucial, especially with the class teacher or the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). This is particularly important at points of transition, such as moving from one class to another or from primary to secondary school. Effective communication ensures that everyone involved is aware of the child's needs, strengths and the support required.
Individual Plans and Pathways
In line with the SEND Code of Practice, children with ADHD should have an individualised plan. This might be an Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) plan, an Individual Education Plan (IEP), or a Pupil Passport. These plans should outline:
The child’s specific needs: What challenges does the child face due to ADHD?
Support in place: What strategies and accommodations are being used to support the child?
Success criteria: How will progress be tracked and celebrated?
These plans should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the child’s progress and any changes in their needs. Where progress is limited and needs are not being met, steps must be taken to involve other professionals, move towards gaining additional support or alternative school placement.
Parental Involvement
Parents know their children best and can provide invaluable insights into their needs. Collaborating with the school to share this knowledge ensures that the support strategies are tailored to the child's specific requirements. Regularly feeding your observations and suggestions into the plan can help in creating an effective support system.
Reasonable Adjustments
Reasonable adjustments for children with ADHD don’t have to be costly or time-consuming. The key is to understand the child's needs and build support around these. Examples of reasonable adjustments might include:
Providing additional time to process a question.
Providing movement breaks during lessons to help manage concentration.
Using visual aids and organisers to help with task management.
Investing in quality relationships so there is a safe adult and safe space to go to when needed.
An autistic voice stated; “We are freshwater fish in saltwater. Put us in fresh water and we function just fine. Put us in salt water and we struggle to survive!”
What reasonable adjustments would help your child thrive?
Free Tool to Get Started
To help you begin this journey, I’m offering a free tool to start collating some of your child's needs and strategies. This tool will assist you in identifying key areas where your child can benefit from support and how to address them effectively. Email Jo@TheEarlyYearsCoach.com
Tailored Support for Your Unique Family Needs
For further tailored support, consider investing in 1:1 coaching. I offer personalised packages over 3 or 6 months to address the unique needs of your family and help your child thrive. Together, we can develop strategies and tools that work best for your specific situation. Email Jo@TheEarlyYearsCoach.com to book a free discovery call and find out more.
Schools play a crucial role in supporting children with ADHD by making reasonable adjustments to accommodate their needs. Understanding the legal framework, maintaining clear communication, creating individualised plans, and making simple yet effective adjustments can make a significant difference in the educational experience of children with ADHD.
As parents, your collaboration and insights are vital in ensuring your child receives the support they need to thrive. Together, we can create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for every child.
Check out my blog around advocacy and partnering with your school.https://www.theearlyyearscoach.com/post/competent-collaborator-how-to-advocate-effectively
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