8 York schools have been accredited as ‘ADHD friendly’ as part of a citywide commitment to support neurodiverse children and young people.
Awarded by the ADHD Foundation*, the schools were accredited as ADHD friendly because they committed to making their schools safe, nurturing, welcoming and exciting places, in which all learners with ADHD can achieve their academic potential.
Schools also had to work with the foundation to achieve six ADHD school friendly pledges, including training school staff, providing opportunities for learners to get access to physical activity, exercise and self-calming strategies throughout the school day and providing information and support to families.
Funded by City of York Council, as part of its wider Neurodiversity support Programme, Copmanthorpe Primary, Dunnington Church of England Primary School, Lakeside Primary Academy, Haxby Road Enhanced Resource Provision, Millthorpe School, Tang Hall Primary, Wigginton Primary, and York High School have all achieved the ADHD Friendly School Award.
Cllr Bob Webb, the council’s Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“Supporting neurodiverse students, their families, and teaching staff, is a key part of our strategy to ensure York is a great place to live and learn for all young people.
"We want to see inclusion at the heart of Education in York and I’m really pleased that schools have committed their time and energy to promote inclusion and the needs of all learners.
“I’m delighted that eight schools in York have now received official ADHD accreditation and hope that they will share their expertise and knowledge with others across the city.”
Luke Dancer, headteacher at Copmanthorpe Primary School, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be recognised as an ADHD Friendly School.
"At Copmanthorpe Primary, we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all children can thrive. This accreditation is a testament to the ongoing dedication and hard work of the staff in creating a school where learners with ADHD feel valued, understood, and empowered to reach their full potential. Since joining the school in January, it has been clear to me that the whole team is deeply committed to ensuring that every child receives the support they need to succeed. Working alongside the ADHD Foundation and City of York Council has helped us implement meaningful strategies that benefit all of our pupils.”
Colin Foley from the ADHD Foundation said:
“It has been a pleasure to work with a range of schools across the City of York.
"In each school, there is a commitment to understanding and nurturing children and young people with ADHD. Thank you to all of the professionals involved, these awards are very well deserved."