Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that teaching staff are adequately trained to (a) identify and (b) assist pupils with ADHD.

The framework of core content for Initial Teacher Training sets out that providers should ensure that trainees are equipped to identify the needs of all pupils, and make provision for them, including seeking the advice of colleagues with specialist knowledge and experience. Trainees should be able to recognise signs that may indicate special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and support common educational needs through review of their teaching, making adjustments to overcome any barriers to progress and ensuring that pupils with SEND are able to access the curriculum.

Our new contract, which will be delivered by the Whole School Send Consortium, brings together schools, SEND sector organisations and experts to ensure schools are equipped to deliver high-quality teaching that supports children with all kinds of SEND, including those with ADHD.