Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly diagnosed when a child is aged six or older, according to the NHS. But when teacher and special leader of education at Alfreton Nursery School in Derbyshire, Amanda Hubball, heard several former nursery children had received diagnoses, she considered whether her team could have supported such children differently.
Ms Hubball completed a four-week online course offered by King’s College London and training provider Future Learn, entitled Understanding ADHD: Current Research and Practice. It covered symptoms of the disorder, how it is diagnosed, controversies and practical strategies to help children with a diagnosis. It is certified by the CPD Certification Service.
Although the course is billed as requiring two hours of study time a week, Ms Hubball spent more time reading the information in each module, which includes videos, real-life case studies and multiple-choice assessments. Course users are encouraged to share comments and experiences with other learners. Academics also comment on these discussions and answer questions.
Doing the course helped Ms Hubball realise the approach her setting takes is correct, as some behaviours that children with ADHD present in the early years are common to all under-fives. ‘It’s why a diagnosis at this age is hard to achieve,’ she says.
Ms Hubball has shared the training with her colleagues. They now deal with behaviours as they did before, but know this approach is aligned with course recommendations. ‘The strategies are early years friendly,’ Ms Hubball says. ‘Not requiring them to sit still for long periods of time, and providing a specific space for them so they don’t distract other children.’
‘This should be compulsory for every school,’ Ms Hubball says of the course. ‘It’s a really critical part of your CPD.’
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