I need to push the school for my son... but I don't know what for?!

[PeoniesPink]

Please can anyone advise what I should be asking the school for or to do.

I have a son who is the youngest in his year starting school a week after he turned four, and is being tested for ADHD. He has had the first part of the testing (QB Test) and we now need to wait for a paediatric appt to discuss the result (one year wait). A private diagnosis isn't out of the question, and the school does accept these, but what then happens if he gets a diagnosis?

He has no behavioural issues at school, but he struggles to concentrate, fidgets a lot and easily distracted.

He is behind all round at school but according to the teachers 'not enough to need to put anything in place'.

The only thing put in place for him was drawing therapy, because at home he has BIG emotions. And a wobble cushion which made him feel singled out and self conscious so I asked for it to be removed.

I feel like I should be pushing for more help for him, for some sort of plan, for something, anything.. but I don't know what?!

I know there is senco on site but he has never been referred to them. Should I be asking for an EHCP - is that the right thing? What does that even entail? I don't even really know what it is.

He also has his sats coming up, should I be asking for any special provisions to be put in to help him through them?

I just feel like he's being left to 'struggle' by the school, but also by us because we don't know what we should be pushing for or doing.

Thank you to anyone who can give me any help on this.

Ask for a meeting with the SENCO. Does DS not have a SEN Support plan?

Support in schools is based on needs, not diagnosis, so nothing will happen just because DS gets a diagnosis.

Are the school not providing any other support? For example, movement breaks, emotional literacy support, sensory circuits, fidget toy, placement within the classroom, what about sensory bands on chair legs. Lack of concentration and fidgeting likely singles DS out anyway, it would be easier for DS if his needs were met.


An EHCP is a legal document that sets out a pupils needs, the provision they require to meet those needs and corresponding outcomes. On their websites IPSEA and SOSSEN have more information about them.

Any access arrangements for SATS will need to be DS’s normal way of working so if it isn’t already it is unlikely to be put in place for SATS.