Radley for DS with AD(H)D

[UntilTheDolphinFlies]

My DS has a place at Radley, and has ADD/ADHD . I know you’re not supposed to class ADHD as mild or severe, you either have it or you don’t, but if I were to class it I would say it’s mild. He’s funny, friendly, loving, chatty, musical, does not have behavioural issues and has lots of friends at his current school. He has done well at school so far, he’s bright, but he struggles to keep his attention over longer periods or in subjects that don’t interest him. He’s not on ADHD meds, though I would consider it if he begins to struggle with school work as it gets more intense. He can concentrate better if he’s allowed to twiddle or bounce or tap! He can space out when working hard, and he can get a bit anxious over some things, but this is getting a lot better as he’s getting older and I haven’t seen any anxiety this year. My question is, does anyone here have an ADD/ADHD child at Radley, or at another full boarding school? How has the school managed the ADHD? Especially with Radley, what support is available? I know I can talk to the school but I’d like to hear parents’ direct experience. I’m hoping that the small class sizes, good teaching, lots of sport and music on offer, and the general camaraderie will really help him thrive.

ADHD is often diagnosed with a severity (mild, moderate or severe), so it’s not wrong to say that at all.

He’s going to be boarding? How old is he? I’d be very concerned about boarding for a boy with ADHD

Does Radley know?

They should have good measures in place if so.
ETA if they don’t know I think you need to raise it.

Typically, applications ask if any diagnosis and this links in with Learning Support.

DS attended similar full boarding. School requested full assessment and report from Ed Psych. Child linked in w Learning Support which was helpful first 1-2 yrs til he found strategies which worked for him. Housemaster needs to know as well. There are enough others w similar diagnoses that he not alone.

He is a good Uni now. Boarding defo prepared him well for Uni.

Calliopespa - yes they know

Whooowhoohoo thanks for this. I don’t remember if it was on his application, I would have put it down if so.

I wouldn’t worry too much then. They will be on top of it I’m sure.

You might contact Learning Support and ask them next steps … get ahead of it as they are usually very busy.

I'd never allow a child with ADHD or any kind of ASD be sent away to school. Sorry, doesn't compute with me and I have 2 teens with both. They need far more care and support than a random person who the school provide

I wouldn't send a child with suspected ADHD or ADD to boarding school, even if high functioning. Even if they cope very well with other children most of the time, when under stress, patterns like twiddling/spacing out will get worse. They need somewhere where they aren't going to be judged for that. Teenagers aren't famously good at being non-judging.

Plenty of kids with ADHD board. Don’t be daft.

scrao my previous comment. I would worry about boarding any child and I have no idea why you would or how you could.

@theunbreakablecleopatrajones - that's a very sweeping statement! clearly you don't have a good understanding of children with ND or their needs. Many NT children have huge issues at boarding school and post boarding school, in their adulthood, let alone a child with complex needs

100%
Not all ND the same.

Honest opinion, I'd be cautious with boarding for an ADHD kid. I recall speaking to a teacher socially, entirely different private school, about the issues they have with ADHD kids boarding.

My dd has ASD and ADHD and boarded. It worked really well for her.
DS went to Radley. I think your ds will be fine. The teachers are exceptional, and there is always something to do, or somewhere quiet to chill out if necessary.

I would just check how much extra ££ any additional help will cost.

Why on earth did anti-boarders click on this thread?

We talked to lots of parents with ADHD boys at Radley and they said their SEN department was amazing, couldn’t fault it and they all did well at GCSE. There was a lot of talk about meds, so I think that is a route they quickly go down rather than trying alternate coping mechanisms which we heard about in other schools. Boarding school can be (not always, but can be) great for ADHD students if they are supported by a good SEN department - they are in one place, are in a focussed environment with others working around them and limited distractions compared to home. They also don’t have journeys to/from school to break up the afternoon/evening after which they struggle to settle back into work. We are new to this with our son, so not expert in any way, but that is what we seem to have learned so far from talking to numerous parents and schools.

I considered Radley for my ADHD son so did a lot of asking around, talking to current and former parents, etc. when trying to decide whether or not to apply. I was told that the new-ish (been there about 2 years, I think?) head of SEND is lovely and very good at her job. But that the teachers and other staff don't always know how to handle ADHD boys, and can react to ADHD-related situations quite poorly. The huge grounds and sporty bent to the school seemed well-suited to a restless, active ADHD boy like mine.

Thank you Cornemuse, that’s very helpful.