Department for Education major update on calls over break times for children with ADHD

The Department for Education has issued a crucial update on school guidance following thousands of complaints that current rules do not adequately cater to neurodivergent students. It comes in response to a petition demanding 'statutory guidance' to prevent the removal of break times for children with ADHD and similar cognitive differences.

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, typically means a person's brain functions differently from others. Signs often appear in children before they reach 12 years old and can include forgetfulness, distractibility, high energy, restlessness, and fidgeting, among others.

In light of this, the authors of the parliamentary petition argue that subjecting neurodivergent children to detention while limiting outdoor play is an 'inappropriate' form of punishment in schools. They maintain that children with ADHD significantly benefit from outdoor play, and systemic change is necessary to better accommodate their needs.

In a written response to these demands, the Department for Education stressed that school leaders hold the primary responsibility for implementing suitable and effective behavioural policies. However, it also stated that it is currently 'working closely with experts' to deliver 'SEND reforms'.

'SEND' specifically describes children with 'special educational needs and disabilities'."A school's culture should consistently promote high standards of behaviour and provide the necessary support to ensure all pupils can achieve and thrive both in and out of the classroom," the Government department wrote on September 3.

"A whole-school approach should meet the needs of all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), so that everyone feels they belong in the school community and high expectations are maintained for all. Schools with strong behaviour cultures create calm, safe environments for all children that enable effective learning."

It later added: "It is for school leaders to implement a behaviour policy that works for their school. We will back headteachers to deliver high standards of behaviour within an inclusive mainstream schools system."

Present legislation mandates that every school across the United Kingdom must maintain an 'effective behaviour policy'. When misbehaviour occurs, schools can employ sanctions designed to 'improve behaviour' while preserving a supportive atmosphere for everyone.

Such policies must remain lawful, proportionate and reasonable, whilst adhering to the Equality Act 2010 and the Education and Inspections Act 2006. Official governmental guidance regarding these policies can be found within its 'Behaviour in Schools' documentation, accessible online.

The Department for Education said that such guidance also stresses the need for 'consistency and appropriate adjustments for pupils with SEND'. In the petition response, it continued: "Schools should seek to understand the underlying causes of behaviour and assess whether additional support is needed.

"Disciplinary action and support are not mutually exclusive - they can and should occur simultaneously when necessary. Alternative arrangements for sanctions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on the pupil's personal circumstances and what is most effective."

Whilst the Government declared it is therefore a headteacher's duty to establish their behavioural policies, numerous forthcoming changes regarding SEND reforms were highlighted.

The department continued: "The Government's ambition is for all children and young people with SEND to receive the right support to succeed in education and transition successfully into adult life.

"The Department for Education is working closely with experts on SEND reforms. Further details of the Government's approach to SEND reform will be outlined in the upcoming Schools White Paper.

"This will be informed by the work of the Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group which has been tasked with making recommendations on how best to meet the needs of neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education settings."

The original petition, entitled 'Make it statutory guidance not to remove break-times for neurodivergent children', currently has just over 29,800 signatures. If it reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for a debate in Parliament. You can view the petition in full here.