ADHD Friendly School Award
Turnham Academy has been awarded the prestigious ADHD Friendly School Award by the ADHD Foundation for their work with children with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The staff at Turnham Academy have gone above and beyond to ensure that their learning environment is inclusive to all children, whatever their needs.
The school has considered all of the main barriers to learning for children with ADHD and has sought to address them in their everyday practice. The whole staff team have accessed training around neurodiversity techniques and strategies to use in the classroom.
Supporting the wellbeing and mental health of learners was a key feature of the submission for the award with a whole-school approach to this. On top of quality first teaching, Turnham Academy staff are trained in strategies which assist with regulation for the pupils. The Zones of Regulation, 5 Point Scales, 10 Minute Peace and Yoga Club are all offered to support the pupils in this area.
In addition, children who need to move and learn have had this need met by being provided with a variety of tactile resources in the classroom, such as wobble cushions, fidget tools and Lego building. These tools enable to children to feel more stimulated, supporting their concentration and focus. Pupils are also offered movement breaks, sensory circuits, soft play and the use of the sensory room to support them in their vestibular, proprioceptive or interoceptive needs.
The school has also done an incredible job of celebrating neurodiversity through their displays, assemblies and RSE lessons, which showcase and promote the positives of ADHD and other conditions. The school really embraces the range of needs across their pupil population and seeks to promote the positives of a variety of conditions. Parents and carers of children with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions have also been supported well across the school. Parents have accessed regular meetings with the SENCO and helpful information books, as well as being signposted to other helpful sources of support.
Congratulations to Turnham Academy who have been recognised nationally for their commitment to improving race equality and prioritising an inclusive culture where staff, students, parents and partners of all ethnicities are equally valued, by being awarded the gold level RACE Chartermark.
“I am delighted that Turnham Academy has been awarded the gold RACE Charter mark. Their application and action plan clearly show a positive ethos and culture which champions and strives for conscious equality and inclusivity throughout the school community. We look forward to continuing to work with the school to see their strategic vision fully realised”
Angelina Idun, Director of Education, SSAT
The School Games Mark is a Government-led award scheme launched in 2012, facilitated by the Youth Sport Trust to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their school and into the community. We are delighted to have been recognised for our success for a second year in a row.