Top Tips For Establishing Effective Routines To Support Your Child's Success In School

Establish a clear morning routine

As a family, discuss the time that everyone needs to be out of the door for school and work. Once you agree on a plan give it a dry run to see if it works for you all.

Buy an alarm clock

Most people with ADHD lack an internal sense of time and children and young people with ADHD often have trouble getting started in the morning. Invest in an effective but fun alarm clock that’s sure to wake them up.

Set goals for the day

Talk with your child about their goals for the school day and put in place a system of rewards for being ready for school. To engage your child in the rewards system, match it to their interests as this will be most effective.

Calendars

Fill the calendar with “must do” activities related to being ready for school. For example, completing homework or packing their school bag the evening before.

Keep in regular contact with your child’s teacher

The more informed you are about your child’s progress in school, the more effective your support can be in preparing your child for school on a daily basis.

Involve your child in decisions

To help build your child’s engagement in school, allow them to choose their own stationery and accessories, this will help your child to be more engaged with school.

Create a clutter-free study area

To help encourage your child to engage with learning at home, clear a space for them to study in, as too much clutter in their field of vision can contribute to a child with ADHD disengaging and shutting down.

Plan an after-school activity

Most children and young people with ADHD need a post-school activity that they enjoy to help them transition to home life. This can help with any ‘homework wars’ when your child may feel that they have to be on-task at all times.

Set up a homework routine with your child

Decide if your child will have free time before homework, agree on the time it should take and structure in brief breaks.

Read with your child in the evening

Use books that feature ADHD and self-esteem. Reading stories about children with ADHD can help your child to feel better about themselves and less alone in their challenges.

Back to School SEN Support Pack

For more advice and tips on getting back into the school routine after the holidays, download our Back to School Support Pack.