Jigsaw Service receives ADHD Friendly Provider status
Friday, 4 April 2025
Our Jigsaw Service has been recognised, alongside two schools in the area, for its commitment to providing high-quality support and education to children with ADHD.
The Jigsaw Service, which provides statutory education for primary-aged children who have been permanently excluded from mainstream schools, works to support children and prevent further exclusions. In recognition of its dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments, the service has been accredited as an ADHD Friendly Provider by the ADHD Foundation (the UK’s leading neurodiversity charity).
This accreditation highlights the service’s proactive approach in supporting children with ADHD and broader social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs.
As part of this initiative, Jigsaw Service took part in a comprehensive training programme provided by the ADHD Foundation. In addition, the service extended this opportunity to ten lower and primary schools in Central Bedfordshire, fully funding their participation to expand ADHD support in the wider community. To date, four schools, including Dunstable Icknield and Leedon Lower Schools, have achieved ADHD Friendly status, with others actively working towards the same goal.
The accreditation is based on six key pledges, including ongoing staff development with the ADHD Foundation, implementing effective interventions, promoting physical activity, teaching self-calming techniques, and empowering families with support and resources.
Councillor Steve Owen, Central Bedfordshire Council Executive Member for Children’s Services and Community Safety, said:
We are incredibly proud of the Jigsaw Service for receiving this important accreditation. The team has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that children with ADHD receive the best possible support. This recognition reinforces Jigsaw’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education, ensuring that children with ADHD receive the tailored support they need to thrive. This achievement also reflects the commitment of both the Jigsaw staff and the wider school community in Central Bedfordshire to providing an inclusive and nurturing environment for all students, which I’m sure will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of children across the area.
The ADHD Foundation Trustees praised the Jigsaw Service for its comprehensive approach, particularly highlighting the range of resources available to children for physical activity and self-regulation, as well as its plans to establish a parent support group.
They commended the outstanding daily practice carried out by the Jigsaw team, stating:
The submission was excellent, and the Trustees were particularly impressed by the range of resources and equipment available for children, as well as your commitment to establishing a parent support group. There is clearly outstanding practice happening every day in the Jigsaw Service. Thank you for everything you are doing to support children with ADHD.