London primary becomes first Jewish school to get national ADHD award

Parents and teachers were celebrating this week after a primary school in London became the first Jewish school in the UK to become a centre of excellence for pupils with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

North West London Jewish Day School near Willesden won the ADHD Friendly School award by the ADHD Foundation after it incorporated everyday tools “to redress the barriers” that children with ADHD face when it comes to academic study.

Those tools include tactile resources such as fidget toys to support children to regulate their attention and giving children “self-soothing strategies” such as deep-breathing exercises and mindfulness sessions, which trained staff now deliver.

ADHD is a condition that can lead to restlessness and trouble concentrating. Symptoms include a short attention span, constant fidgeting, and acting without thinking.

Colin Foley of the ADHD Foundation said teachers had “gone above and beyond to make their lessons and their school environment enjoyable, supportive and safe spaces for their students with ADHD”, adding: “I’m delighted that they are the first Jewish school to achieve this award.”

The school has been giving children with ADHD “ample opportunity for movement and physical activity”, which is known to have significant benefits for children with barriers to learning, such as by helping to regulate and refocus attention.

Teachers have also incorporated the use of ‘Take 10’ sessions, which are timetabled into the school day and allow children extra time for exercise, as well as offering additional 2:1 or 1:1 coaching sessions in a variety of sports including swimming.

North West’s inclusion lead Danielle Stone said it was about “making necessary adjustments as well as celebrating children’s individuality and strengths”.