WHAT IS EAST BERKSHIRE PARTNERSHIPS FOR INCLUSION OF NEURODIVERSITY IN SCHOOLS (PINS)?

Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) is a national programme that helps mainstream primary schools become more inclusive and offer better support to neurodivergent children. Funded by NHS England, PINS takes a partnership approach, working with local authorities, schools and parent/carer forums.

In East Berkshire, PINS is supported by NHS Frimley as well as the Department for Education (DfE), Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums (NNPCF).

PINS is based on four key ideas:

  • Whole-school support – making schools a better place for all students
  • Training for staff – helping teachers understand neurodivergence
  • Listening to parents and carers – through parent/carer forums
  • Understanding student experiences – to improve the school environment

Phase 1 of East Berkshire’s PINS programme has already brought together health and education specialists and parents/carers to generate positive change for neurodivergent children in many schools. When Phase 2 rolls out in September 2025, more schools and parents/carers will have the chance to take part.

To learn about the key role Parent Carer Forums play in PINS and how you can get involved in East Berkshire, click here.

How PINS works

Participating schools follow two stages (see below). These involve a self-assessment tool and a menu of support, both of which cover domain areas including: leadership, culture and values; mental health; readiness to learn; teaching and learning; and environment and communication.

Stage 1: Self-assessment

Schools complete a self-assessment to:

✔ Identify current strengths and areas for improvement in their approach to neurodiversity
✔ Highlight the areas where support from health and education specialists and expert parents/carers would be most beneficial

Stage 2: Menu of support

Based on the needs highlighted by their self-assessment, schools select from a tailored menu of support, including:

✔ Evidence-informed resources and training designed to meet school priorities
✔ Support in developing inclusive environments
✔ Access to specialist advice from education and health professionals

Parallel engagement with Parent Carer Forums (PCFs)

Throughout stages 1 and 2 and beyond, schools engage with PCFs to ensure family voices shape improvements. This process involves:

✔ Initial parent/carer survey to gather feedback from families
✔ Participation events in schools, where parents/carers help shape whole-school SEND provision
✔ Parent/carer survey and participation events are repeated, allowing schools to measure progress and refine their approach over time

Responsibilities of participating schools and PCFs

There are responsibilities for both schools and PCFs taking part in PINS. These include:

✔ Holding termly meetings with the school leadership team
✔ Hosting at least two parent/carer group meetings in the school during the project period
✔ Ensuring all parents/carers in the school community can participate in discussions
✔ Supporting communication between schools and parents/carers

To learn more about the role of Parent Carer Forums in PINS and how to take part in one, please click here.

Team member