Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether she has considered introducing mandatory training for teachers on ADHD and mental health awareness as part of initial teacher training and continuing professional development.

The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) sets out a core minimum entitlement of what should be covered for all trainees and early career teachers (ECTs) during their teacher training and induction. It includes learning to teach and model a range of social and emotional skills to support pupil’s social and emotional development, know who to contact for pupil mental health concerns and how to support their own mental wellbeing.

The ITTECF deliberately does not detail approaches to specific additional needs. Instead, it includes approaches to teaching that are effective for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The department is working with an expert working group of special school leaders and ITT providers to further strengthen the experience of SEND training in ITT.

For continuing professional development, the government is investing over £200 million in professional development on SEND and inclusion across schools, colleges and nurseries. There will also be a new requirement set out in the SEND Code of Practice for all settings to ensure that staff receive training on SEND and inclusion.