ADHD SENCO Training Programme 2026

The Centre for ADHD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Across the Lifespan (CANDAL), based at the Institute of Mental Health in Nottingham, presents the ADHD SENCO Training Programme 2026. Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs) fulfill a vital strategic role in shaping SEN policies, educational code of practice standards, and supportive classroom environments across primary and secondary schools. This dedicated one-day professional development workshop equips SENCOs, inclusion leaders, and school educators with a comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Grounded in the latest psychological research and clinical expertise, the training employs an innovative "train the trainer" delivery methodology. This model empowers attending educators with the essential tools, scientific insights, and instructional resources necessary to cascade high-quality ADHD awareness and practical intervention training throughout their entire teaching staff, ultimately raising educational standards and support frameworks across whole school communities.

Scientific Insights and Identification in the Classroom

Understanding the complex neurobiology of ADHD is essential for early identification, compassionate intervention, and effective academic accommodation. Participants will delve deeply into the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional dimensions of ADHD as explained by leading academic researchers and clinicians from the University of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. The workshop outlines how core symptoms—such as executive dysfunction, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and inattention—manifest across different age groups and classroom environments. Educators will examine gender differences in ADHD presentation, exploring why girls and quiet internalizers are frequently underdiagnosed or misidentified. Through interactive case studies, attendees will learn to differentiate between neurodevelopmental behaviors and external stressors, enabling teachers to implement targeted behavioral adjustments, sensory-friendly classroom layouts, and personalized learning plans that foster academic success and self-esteem.

Navigating Nottinghamshire Care Pathways and Support Systems

A crucial component of effective special educational needs leadership is establishing seamless collaboration between educational institutions, primary healthcare providers, and local clinical diagnostic services. This training session provides participants with a clear, step-by-step roadmap of the local NHS care pathways in Nottinghamshire for neurodevelopmental assessments. Educators will gain practical guidance on documenting behavioral observations, completing standardized rating scales, and formulating robust, evidence-backed medical referral packages for clinical evaluation. The course highlights effective strategies for engaging in empathetic, constructive dialogues with parents and carers, demystifying the diagnostic journey and setting realistic expectations. Furthermore, the session outlines multi-agency support networks, mental health school teams, and community resources available throughout Nottingham, ensuring schools can construct a holistic, wrap-around support system for neurodivergent pupils long before a formal clinical diagnosis is finalized.

Interactive Workshop Resources and Train the Trainer Implementation

Designed to maximize long-term institutional impact, the afternoon curriculum transitions into hands-on implementation strategies using the "train the trainer" framework. Delegates will receive an extensive, professionally curated resource binder containing ready-to-use presentation slides, workshop agendas, staff activity sheets, and actionable classroom accommodation templates. Course facilitators will guide SENCOs through structured exercises on how to deliver engaging, empathetic internal staff training sessions within their own schools. Attendees will participate in small-group breakout discussions, practicing peer delivery techniques, addressing common myths surrounding neurodiversity, and exploring strategies to combat stigma among school staff and pupils. By building internal training capacity, participating schools can ensure that every teacher, teaching assistant, and pastoral staff member develops the skills required to create inclusive, nurturing educational spaces.

Venue, Networking, and Booking Details

The training takes place at the state-of-the-art Institute of Mental Health building, located on the University of Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus. Situated on Triumph Road, the venue offers modern conference rooms, fully accessible facilities, and excellent public transport links from Nottingham city center and Nottingham Railway Station. The £120 delegate fee covers full attendance at the in-person expert-led workshop, comprehensive course workbooks, post-event digital resource access, and a fully catered networking lunch. The lunch hour provides a valuable opportunity for SENCOs and inclusion managers across Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands to connect, share regional challenges, compare school policies, and build lasting professional peer support networks. Places are strictly limited to ensure an interactive, high-impact learning environment, so early online registration is highly recommended for educational professionals seeking to elevate neurodiversity support in their schools.