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Now that families are aware of the destination school for their child this September, this link is a useful website for information and support for parents/carers and settings.  It includes guidance on the basic skills a child needs and ideas on how to practice them and a guide to toilet training.

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Your child’s journey to school starts at home. We understand that all children develop at their own pace, and that we’re all learning from birth. With school readiness, some children will need more help than others.

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SEN Support, Advice, and Resources - Witherslack Group

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A library of free SEN support, advice, & resources created by SEN professionals for parents & carers of children & young people with special educational needs.

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ADHD in girls is often overlooked. Discover how symptoms can differ from boys and how to rethink support for girls with ADHD.

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Anne-Marie Harrison, Education Director from Ideas Afresh, highlights common characteristics of ADHD and shares practical strategies to help boys thrive.

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My toddler is going through a food regression. What should I do?

Food regression is common in toddlers and often links to illness, teething, constipation, tiredness, growth spurts, or changes in routine. In scenarios like this, we would usually focus on lowering pressure and rebuilding predictability.

Offer regular meals and snacks and keep mealtimes calm and short. Serve the family food plus 1 to 2 safe foods so there is always something they can manage. Avoid bribing, bargaining, or chasing bites, as this can increase anxiety and refusal. Let your child decide whether and how much to eat.

Keep gentle exposure going without demands: seeing the food, touching it, or helping prep counts. Between meals, offer water and limit grazing. If the food range becomes very small, distress is high, or you are worried about growth, speak to your GP, Health Visitor, or a registered dietitian.

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Aaron Boysen, a Registered Dietitian from Primary Care Dietitians, shares practical strategies and advice to help you support your child's eating.

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Development Language Disorder: Signs, Support & Strategies

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Worried about your child’s communication skills? Learn early signs, practical strategies, and ways to support your child at home and school.

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Supporting Neurodivergent Pupils At Risk Of EBSA

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Supporting pupils who have emotionally based school avoidance can be challenging. Watch our free webinar as we explore practical strategies and advice to help support your pupils in the classroom.

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Family Hub guide Jan to Mar 2026 - DIGITAL

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Saint Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy New Mills

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ADHD is one of many conditions which can make it harder to learn in a traditional classroom and exam environment. With the right adjustments many children with ADHD will thrive, but first we need to be able to recognise a child's needs and how to support them to do their best.

In this new film from ' 'Nip in the Bud ' , you'll hear directly from Debbie about her experience having undiagnosed ADHD in school, and the impact this had on her.
"From as young as I can remember, I've always thought there was something wrong with me...If I'd had my diagnosis at school, everything would have been different."
As a young black girl, Debbie didn't fit the stereotype of a child with ADHD. As a result, her learning differences weren't recognised and she would get into trouble at school. Because ADHD typically presents differently in girls, the signs can be overlooked, and it is thought girls may also be better at 'masking' their difficulties to fit in.

"It's well known that women with ADHD are really good at hiding things."
As Debbie got older she was able to find some coping strategies which work for her. However, her story shows how it can be life-changing to receive a diagnosis from a younger age, and highlights the importance of challenging our assumptions about a child's behaviour and experiences.

* Debbie volunteers for ADHD Babes, a community group for Black Women and Non-Binary people of African-Caribbean descent with ADHD.

"We're just wired differently... someone getting there in a different way can also open up something new that people didn't know, and that can be really amazing."

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ADHD is one of many conditions which can make it harder to learn in a traditional classroom and exam environment. With the right adjustments many children with ADHD will thrive, but first we need to be able to recognise a child's needs and how to support them to do their best.

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A child or young person with ADHD may:

be easily distracted and find it difficult to start or finish tasks

find it difficult to concentrate

often become restless or fidgety

be very talkative, often interrupting or blurting things out

be impulsive e.g. act before considering the consequences or be prone to taking risks

get easily angry or frustrated and struggle to deal with emotions

find making or maintaining friendships difficult

be disorganised, for instance often losing things or being late

lack an awareness of time

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This guide for professionals gives a brief overview of ADHD for those working with young people. Find out about the condition and how to provide support.

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Helping Kids Focus | Headspace Breathers | Mindfulness for Kids and Families

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Be the Pond | Mindfulness for Kids | Cosmic Kids Zen Den

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Rainbow Relaxation: Mindfulness for Children

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Derbyshire Information, Advice and Support Service (DIASS) provides independent information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents and carers.

We aim to help parents and carers increase their involvement in the education of their children and ensure that they have access to information and advice about issues relating to a child or young person's health and social care.

The service is impartial, confidential, and works at arm's length from the local authority. Our advice is free and accessible to all parents of children with SEND. We also offer support for children and young people with SEND.

We can also support you with:

the law around SEND

health and social care in relation to special educational needs provision

personal budgets

education health care plans (EHCP)

information on the Local Offer (services and provision available for those with SEND)

transition post 16 - preparing for adulthood

resolving any disagreements

The Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND code of practice are intended to strengthen the participation of parents, children and young people.

Please note that the service is currently operating and support workers are available. Due to current COVID-19 (Coronavirus) restrictions we cannot offer face to face support. However parents, carers, children and young people can contact us through email and telephone.

Find out how Derbyshire's Local Authority are supporting vulnerable children, young people and families during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Council for Disabled children has some useful information about COVID 19 (Coronavirus) and schools.

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Welcome to the Derbyshire Information, Advice and Support Service for SEND

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Derbyshire Information, Advice and Support Service (DIASS) provides independent information, advice and support to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as their parents and carers.

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Derby SEND | Information & Advice Support Service (SENDIASS)

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Impartial information and advice to parents, carers and young people in Derby City

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Changing Lives for Parents & Carers - Compass

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Compass Changing Lives provides guidance to parents and carers around improving their knowledge and understanding […]

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What are The Zones of Regulation? -Official Video-

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Child Mental Health Support |Bridge the Gap| Derby England | Emotional Literacy

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A C.I.C supporting child mental health & family wellbeing, online and locally in Derby. We support the mental health of chiildren, parents and teachers. Our services and support are accessible and proactive. Friendly, supportive community and team. Early Intervention - Never judged, always heard.

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Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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Neurodevelopmental pathway (ASD/ADHD) :: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust

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This is a higher specialist service responsible for the assessment of neurodevelopmental conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Referrals for an ADHD assessment for children will be considered from the age of five and a half years.

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NHS guide to autism. Find out what autism is and what the common signs are. Get help and advice if you or your child are autistic.

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There is separate information about ADHD in adults.

Symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

Symptoms of ADHD usually start before the age of 12. They involve a person's ability to pay attention to things (being inattentive), having high energy levels (being hyperactive) and their ability to control their impulses (being impulsive).

A child or young person may show signs of being inattentive, such as:

being easily distracted

finding it hard to listen to what people are saying or to follow instructions

forgetting everyday tasks, like brushing their teeth or putting on socks

They may show signs of being hyperactive and impulsive, including:

having high energy levels

fidgeting or tapping their hands and feet

talking noisily

feeling restless, or getting up and moving around when they're supposed to sit still

finding it hard to wait their turn, or interrupting conversations

Most children and young people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type. Some only show signs of one type.

ADHD is thought to be recognised less often in girls than boys. This may be because girls with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms and these can be harder to recognise.

Many children are easily distracted, impulsive and have high energy levels, particularly if they're under the age of 5. This does not mean they have ADHD. It could be a sign of something else, like being tired, anxious or stressed.

Getting help for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If you're worried that ADHD may be affecting your child, talk to one of their teachers. An older child or teenager may choose to speak to a teacher themselves.

The teacher will usually make a referral to the school's special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO).

The SENCO can discuss support in the classroom or with homework, or help with building confidence and friendships.

If you're still worried or you think your child needs additional support, you may want to make an appointment with a GP.

At the GP appointment, the doctor will ask about the child or young person's symptoms and how these affect their life. They may consider other conditions that could cause these symptoms, such as autism, Tourette's or anxiety.

People with ADHD may often have other conditions too, such as depression, anxiety or addictions, or a learning difficulty such as dyslexia.

The GP or SENCO may recommend support groups or training for parents in your area.

Asking for an ADHD assessment

If support at home and at school is not helping your child, you may want to ask for an ADHD assessment. Speak to a GP or SENCO to request a referral for an ADHD assessment.

While waiting for a referral or assessment, the child or young person should continue to get support at home and in school. You can also contact your local council for advice, and to ask if there's a family hub in your area.

Family hubs support children and young people aged 0 to 19 (and up to 25 for people with special educational needs or a disability).

What happens at an ADHD assessment

The assessment will be with one or more ADHD specialists, such as a paediatrician, or a child and adolescent psychiatrist.

The specialist will talk with you and your child to find out more about any symptoms, and about family life. They'll also ask about your child's development, such as how old they were when they learned to do things like walking or reading.

There may be some forms to fill in before the appointment or as part of the assessment.

The ADHD specialist will usually contact a SENCO or teacher, or both, to see how your child is doing at school.

They may also ask your child to do a computer-based test to help assess their symptoms.

If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, the specialist will discuss what this means and what happens next, including what treatment and support may be available.

Waiting times for ADHD assessments

Waiting times vary and your child may have to wait several months or years for an ADHD assessment.

You may be able to find a clinic with shorter waiting lists through your GP using the Right to Choose scheme. Read about Right to Choose and your choices in the NHS.

You can ask for an NHS appointment at any clinic, including a private clinic, if it provides ADHD services for the NHS in England.

Find out more about diagnosis pathways for children on the ADHD UK website.

How to manage ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

There are different ways to support a child or young person with ADHD, including lifestyle changes, changes at school and at home, or medicines.

It depends on their symptoms, and not every child needs help or support from a health professional.

Talk to a SENCO (special educational needs coordinator), or a school nurse where available, about changes that could help a child or young person.

Finding out more about ADHD can also help parents, children and young people better understand the condition.

If your child or teenager has been referred to an ADHD service, a specialist will be able to give you more information and advice about how to help them.

Lifestyle

There are things you can do to help support a child or young person with their ADHD symptoms.

Support at school and at home

Discuss with a SENCO what adjustments or support may help at home and school.

This may include:

splitting up tasks, like doing homework or sitting down to eat, into 15 to 20 minute slots with a break in between each slot

giving clear and simple instructions one at a time in a calm voice

writing a to-do list and putting it somewhere easy to see

giving praise when a child or young person does well, or making a reward chart

Medicine

ADHD medicines must be started and monitored by an ADHD specialist. This includes:

medicine to help with ADHD symptoms, such as methylphenidate

melatonin for problems sleeping, when other methods for improving sleep have not worked

Children and teenagers may need to try more than one medicine to find out what works for them.

A GP may be able to take over prescribing ADHD medicines, but only if there is a "shared care agreement" between the GP and the ADHD specialist. To find out more, talk to your ADHD specialist or GP. Not everyone with ADHD needs to or wants to take medicine.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be recommended to help a child or young person with ADHD with problem solving and expressing their feelings.

ADHD and mental health

People with ADHD may be more likely to have mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

They are also at higher risk of suicide.

If you're concerned about a child or young person, help and support is available right now if they need it. They do not have to struggle with difficult feelings alone.
Find out about mental health support for children and young people

What causes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

The cause of ADHD is not always known. ADHD may be caused by genetic differences and often runs in families.

There are several other things linked to ADHD, including being born premature (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), having epilepsy, a brain injury or being autistic.

Some people with ADHD call themselves neurodivergent. Neurodiversity describes the range of different ways our brains work.

Help and support for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)

If your child or teenager has ADHD, there are ways you can help them manage their symptoms with support from their school or a doctor.

There are ADHD support groups locally and online.

There are also a number of organisations and charities that offer information and support about ADHD.

ADHD UK

Information and support for anyone affected by ADHD.

ADHD Foundation

Information for anyone affected by a neurodivergent condition, including ADHD.

ADHD Adult UK

Information and peer support for parents of children with ADHD, and for adults with ADHD.

Young Minds

Mental health support for young people.

AADD-UK

Charity which lists support groups across the UK, including groups for adults, parents and carers.

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Find out about ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and teenagers, the symptoms of ADHD, how to get a diagnosis and how to manage it.

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What is Navigating the Maze?

Navigating the Maze is a workshop for parents of children who have needs that may be associated with ASD and/or ADHD. Its purpose is to support parents to become experts to their children, by understanding and therefore responding to their presenting needs. In doing this, parents can become co-therapists to their unique children, and in doing this uncover and recognise their amazing gifts. The workshop was created by professionals with both lived experience and knowledge and experience of working clinically with neurodivergent children.

What does the workshop involve?

It is a six-week online programme.

Weeks 1 & 2 explore your understanding of neurodevelopmental (ND) needs and how you respond to them. These lay the foundation for the following weeks. To get the most out of this workshop, it is really important to try to engage with each week fully.

Week 3 explores different presentations of neurodivergence.

Week 4 examines neurodivergence in the context of the developing brain.

Week 5 focuses on independence skills and strategies to support these.

Week 6 is an overview of the workshop and also examines the importance of play.

What can you expect after attending the workshop?

The workshop is a supportive tool and not a cure-all solution. It targets parents of children spanning a range of neurodevelopmental needs, ages, and across different points in their journeys. Therefore, parents can watch this workshop before, during, and/or after their journey of ND discovery.

If you are considering requesting an assessment for your child, please be aware that it is a very long process, because demand is so high. Most of the referrals do not require an assessment. ASD and ADHD are lifelong diagnostic outcomes, and as such can never be treated as urgent. Needs associated with them, however, can be supported in all environments.

Should you complete this workshop, and you decide to complete a screening pack for consideration of assessment, you will be required to evidence this by noting which support and strategies you put in place following the workshop, and the outcomes of these.

Where will the workshop be held?

Our workshop is held online so that parents/carers can access and revisit it whenever they choose. You can access our workshop here.

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Navigating the Maze - a toolkit of strategies for parents of neurodivergent children

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Navigating the Maze is a workshop for parents of children who have needs that may be associated with ASD and/or ADHD. Its purpose is to support parents to become experts to their children, by understanding and therefore responding to their presenting needs.

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In-depth advice and guidance about autism and the challenges autistic people and their families face. Topics include what is autism, diagnosis, communication, mental health, education, and more.

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Helping and supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.

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Derby City Council, Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 2FS