SMART Target Examples for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
in Irish Primary Schools
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. In Irish schools, students with ADHD often need targeted support in attention and concentration, executive function, and behaviour management within the NEPS Continuum of Support.
Prevalence in Ireland
ADHD affects approximately 5% of school-age children in Ireland, making it one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions seen in primary classrooms.
SMART Target Examples by NEPS Need Area
These targets are mapped to NEPS need areas and categorised by Continuum of Support level. Replace [student] with the student's name and [date] with your review date (typically 6-8 weeks).
Attention & Concentration
By [date], [student] will remain seated and on task during independent work for 12 consecutive minutes using a visual timer, on 4 out of 5 occasions, as observed by the class teacher.
By [date], [student] will complete a written task of 5 sentences within 15 minutes using a task checklist, on 3 out of 5 occasions during literacy time.
Executive Function
By [date], [student] will independently use a 3-step visual planner to organise their materials for the next lesson on 4 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will break a multi-step task into 3 parts using a graphic organiser with SET support, completing the task on 3 out of 5 occasions.
Behaviour
By [date], [student] will raise their hand and wait to be called upon before speaking during whole-class discussion on 4 out of 5 occasions, as recorded on a self-monitoring chart.
By [date], [student] will use a calm-down strategy (e.g., deep breathing, counting to 10) when feeling frustrated, on 3 out of 5 observed occasions, as recorded by the SET.
Social & Emotional
By [date], [student] will wait for their turn in a group game without interrupting for the duration of a 10-minute activity, on 3 out of 5 occasions.
By [date], [student] will use a 'stop and think' card before responding to a peer conflict, on 3 out of 5 occasions during yard time, as recorded by the supervising teacher.
Self-Care & Independence
By [date], [student] will independently prepare their materials for the school day using a morning checklist, on 4 out of 5 days.
Literacy
By [date], [student] will re-read their written work and correct 3 out of 5 errors using a proofreading checklist, as observed by the SET.
By [date], [student] will sustain silent reading for 8 consecutive minutes using a bookmark tracker, on 4 out of 5 occasions during DEAR time.
Common Strengths
- High energy and enthusiasm for activities they enjoy
- Creative and divergent thinking
- Ability to hyperfocus on preferred tasks
- Spontaneous and engaging personality
- Resilience and adaptability
- Strong verbal communication skills
Common Needs
- Support with sustained attention during non-preferred tasks
- Help with organisation, planning, and task initiation
- Strategies for impulse control in social situations
- Structured routines to support time management
- Movement breaks to regulate energy levels
- Explicit teaching of self-monitoring skills
Example SSF Phrasing
Copy-paste ready phrasing for the Strengths and Needs sections of the Student Support File.
Strengths Phrasing
- “[Student] is enthusiastic and eager to participate in class discussions.”
- “[Student] shows creative thinking in art and project-based work.”
- “[Student] has a kind and caring personality and is well-liked by peers.”
- “[Student] demonstrates strong verbal skills and enjoys sharing ideas aloud.”
Needs Phrasing
- “[Student] needs support to sustain attention during independent written work.”
- “[Student] requires strategies to help with organisation and planning of multi-step tasks.”
- “[Student] benefits from movement breaks to regulate energy levels throughout the day.”
- “[Student] needs explicit teaching of self-monitoring skills for on-task behaviour.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What are SMART targets for ADHD in Irish primary schools?
How do I write a Student Support File for a child with ADHD?
What classroom strategies help students with ADHD?
Does a child with ADHD need an SNA?
Official Irish References
Essential Guides
Related Conditions
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