School staff perspectives on ADHD and training: understanding the needs and views of UK primary staff

Abstract

ABSTRACT Teachers report feeling ill-equipped to meet the needs of ADHD children. Previous studies on ADHD teacher training have been largely quantitative, focused on measured gains in ADHD knowledge and use of behavioural strategies. Traditional training shows initial improvements which deteriorate over time necessitating a new approach. Staff perspectives identifying important factors in teaching children with ADHD and staff training are largely missing from the literature. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 primary staff in England. Interviews were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. Five themes are reported: being equipped to provide for the individual needs of children with ADHD; a joined-up team approach which draws on the knowledge of others; creating the opportunity for every child to succeed; supporting all children in the classroom; training and support which meets the needs of all school staff. Findings will enable ADHD training to be better tailored to meet school staff’s needs.