Hello
Three children with ADHD talked to their teacher to explain their perspectives on what would make an ideal school for them.
[stock photo used to maintain anonymity]
11 year old girl in Year 6
What are these things like?
Child's response
The outside of the school
(she did not have any thoughts about this)
The playground
Lots of equipment, especially things to climb.
The classroom
There would be silence during lessons, and only one child per table so we could focus.
There would be a calm-down spot in the corner, with cosy cushions and fidgets.
The children
They would help me focus.
The adults
They would understand that sometimes I need to go for a walk around the school to ‘reset’. They would help me remember things.
You
I’d feel good – calmer and more focussed.
My ideal classroom
My ideal playground
10 year old boy in Year 5
What are these things like?
Child's response
The outside of the school
Colourful! Bright gates, different coloured walls.
The playground
Lots of equipment: swings and slides.
Half of the playground would be space for running. There would be organised games such as ball games.
The classroom
The classroom has colourful walls and carpet, with white tables and black chairs.
The children
They say nice things like “How are you today?”
The adults
They would use screens less (screens hurt my eyes). They would teach more Science (practical lessons). They would be funny.
You
Happy.
What is important at this school?
Children with ADHD are allowed ‘fidgets’ to help them concentrate and should be allowed to take a break for a couple of minutes when needed (eg to read a book).
What happens when you make a mistake?
You can ask a teacher for help, and the teacher could help by talking to you.
What can you do if you feel angry, or anxious, or happy?
If you feel angry, you could go to a quiet place.
10 year old girl in Year 5
(also autistic)
What are these things like?
Child's response
The outside of the school
(she did not have any thoughts about this)
The playground
Lots of slides and equipment, trampolines and swing bars. And indoor play area. Lots of space to eat lunch, not crowded.
The classroom
It would have a bead curtain, a fidget centre with rainbow drawers. Each child would have their own table (not shared), where their stuff would be left alone, and their own laptop.
The walls would be different colours for different zones, and there would be comfy chairs, maybe with covers you could pull over you to make a mini-den.
There would be buttons you could press on the tables to show your feelings visually.
Each subject would be taught for a whole week so we could really get into it. There would be no RE.
I would have a den – my own special place – that I could feel enclosed in.
The children
Everybody would be nice. They would all have ADHD so they could relate to me.
The adults
There would be lots of adults per class and they would not rush you. Each child could chose the TA they wanted to help them.
You
Happy.
What is important at this school?
Children are consulted about the lunchtime food and could help to make it.
There would be sensory rooms. The sensory rooms would have play equipment lots of relaxing things, and a laptop that you could use to help you calm down by learning, playing games or watching YouTube.
What happens when you make a mistake?
The teacher would help you.
What can you do if you feel angry, or anxious, or happy?
You could talk to your chosen adult, and go to a sensory room – you could have a way to ‘bleep’ the teacher so you did not need to talk to them to ask permission.