The Leigh UTC in Dartford has been awarded the prestigious ADHD Friendly School Award by national neurodiversity charity, the ADHD Foundation, for their work with young people with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
The staff at The Leigh UTC School have gone above and beyond to ensure that their learning environment is inclusive to all young people, whatever their needs. Considering all the main barriers to learning for young people with ADHD, the school has sought to address them in their everyday practice. In particular, the whole staff team have accessed training around Understanding and Supporting ADHD.
Kevin Watson, Principal of Leigh UTC, expressed his delight upon receiving the status:
“Receiving ADHD Friendly School status is a tremendous achievement for The Leigh UTC. It’s confirmation that the work we are doing is making a noticeable impact on the young people we are working with, despite any barriers. We are incredibly grateful to the ADHD Foundation for their invaluable support and guidance in allowing us to achieve this award.”
Supporting the wellbeing and mental health of learners through adapting practice in lessons was a key feature of The Leigh UTC’s submission for the award with integrated movement breaks and passes and dividing lessons into learning episodes to support those young people who might struggle to pay attention for long periods.
Back row: Teddy (Y11), The Leigh UTC Principal Kevin Watson, Stephan (Y9)
Front row: Lilly Mae (Y9) and Lukas (Y8)
There are a range of clubs available for young people to develop their individual skills and interests and all of this work is underpinned with dedicated opportunities for the young people to inform the staff about how they experience life in school and to suggest ways that they can be supported.
The school also celebrates neurodiversity and parents and carers of children with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions have also been supported well across the school with regular contact with the Support staff and clear signposting to external services.
Colin Foley, the Training Director of the ADHD Foundation said:
“I am so pleased that The Leigh UTC is getting the recognition it deserves in this area. In a busy high school, time, space and support is being given daily to those who might find school more challenging than others. Well done to everyone involved.”
