Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects focus, self-control and other skills children need every day. A child with ADHD may be very active, find it hard to control their impulses and struggle to pay attention, which can be hard to manage in a busy room. This ADHD training for childcare practitioners explains what ADHD is, what may cause it, how it shows itself and how to look at a child’s strengths as well as their difficulties.
It also covers what ADHD is not. Poor concentration and hyperactivity can be confused with other disorders and medical problems, and there is no simple test, so a thorough assessment matters before anyone reaches a conclusion.
Why ADHD awareness matters in the early years
Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age, although most children are diagnosed between 6 and 12. The course explains that ADHD is linked to differences in brain anatomy and wiring and often runs in families. Understanding this helps practitioners see the behaviour as part of a condition that needs support. The course also sets out what can happen when ADHD goes unrecognised, including difficulties in education, anxiety and depression, and a high risk of accidental injuries.
When a doctor or psychologist assesses a child, they consider observations reported by parents, schools and other care providers, so what you notice in the setting matters. The course includes an observation record for inattentive and hyperactive signs, and links to the government’s early years guide to the SEND code of practice, which explains what settings must do when a child’s attention or behaviour gives cause for concern, including the graduated approach and the SENCO role.
What’s in the course
- What ADHD isHow ADHD affects focus, self-control and daily skills, from childhood into adulthood.
- Signs and symptomsThe main signs of inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness, and when they tend to be noticed.
- Assessment and diagnosisWhy ADHD can be confused with other conditions and why there is no simple test.
- CausesFamily history, brain differences and other possible factors such as premature birth and low birthweight.
- Managing ADHDEducational support, support for parents and children, and how medication works on the brain’s messaging pathways.
- Related conditionsConditions that can occur alongside ADHD, such as anxiety, autism and sensory processing disorder.
- The positive sideStrong focus in areas a child cares about, and a strengths-based view of ADHD.
- Strategies to try firstA room-side crib sheet pairing behaviours with strategies such as movement breaks, short instructions and seating.
- Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
What you’ll learn
- The main signs of inattentiveness: a short attention span, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, difficulty organising tasks and appearing not to listen to instructions
- The main signs of hyperactivity and impulsiveness: being unable to sit still, constant fidgeting, excessive talking, difficulty waiting their turn, interrupting and little or no sense of danger
- Why symptoms can become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school
- Why a thorough assessment matters, since ADHD symptoms can look like other conditions
- Possible contributing factors, including being born before the 37th week of pregnancy, a low birthweight, and smoking, alcohol or drug use in pregnancy
- How ADHD can be managed with educational support, advice and support for parents and children, and medication if necessary
- Conditions that can occur alongside ADHD, including anxiety, autism, learning difficulties and sensory processing disorder
- How to record signs factually across different contexts, ready to share with parents, your SENCO or a health professional
Who this course is for
- Key persons and practitioners working with children who are very active, impulsive or find it hard to focus
- SENCOs gathering observations and planning support
- Room leaders and managers supporting staff with behaviour in the room
- Any practitioner who wants to understand ADHD and talk about it confidently with parents
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- Interactive moduleSlides and short videos you work through at your own pace. About an hour in total.
- 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.
Training your team
A shared understanding of ADHD helps every adult in the room respond to the same child in the same way, so this course works well taken by the whole team. Choose the number of learners at checkout, with group rates from 3 learners, or get it as part of the Training Portal for £5 per learner per month. It pairs well with Positive Behaviour Management in the Early Years and The Graduated Approach in Practice.
Frequently asked questions
Can nursery staff diagnose ADHD?
No. There is no simple test, and the assessment is made by a doctor or psychologist. They consider observations reported by parents, schools and other care providers, so clear, dated notes from your setting can help.
At what age is ADHD usually diagnosed?
Symptoms tend to be noticed early, but most children are diagnosed between 6 and 12. Symptoms may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as starting school.
What causes ADHD?
The exact cause is unknown. ADHD often runs in families, and research has found differences in the brains of people with ADHD. Being born prematurely, a low birthweight and smoking, alcohol or drug use during pregnancy may also play a part.
What should we do if we are worried about a child’s attention or behaviour?
Record what you see, factually and over time, and share it with parents and your SENCO. The course links to the early years guide to the SEND code of practice, which explains the graduated approach and applies whether or not a diagnosis follows.
Does ADHD go away?
Symptoms usually improve with age, but many adults diagnosed as children continue to experience problems. There is no cure, but ADHD can be managed with the right educational support, support for families and, if necessary, medication.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
