The scheme called PINS - Partnerships for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools – looks at ways education settings can improve support for neurodivergent children through training on dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning differences.
Forty schools across Kent and Medway took part in the project last year when it was first piloted. Now 18 more schools in Swale, and 12 more in Medway, have joined them on their journey as the project moves into Phase 2.
How will PINS 2 work in Kent?
PINS is a national programme that brings specialist health and education professionals into mainstream primary schools.
Phase 2 of the project, led by NHS Kent and Medway, Kent County Council (KCC) and Medway Council, started in March and the training offer opened to PINS schools in September.
Meanwhile, schools from Phase 1 will continue to build on what they’ve learned and support new schools through peer networks.
The schools taking part will be supported in the development of parent and carer forums to create a system that allows for strong parent communication and co-production.
“By focusing on whole-school development, we’re ensuring that every child benefits from improved support – not just those with identified needs.”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Beverley Fordham, said: "The PINS project has really highlighted the importance of the whole school working together to support pupils, rather than relying on isolated interventions. It’s about creating an inclusive culture where every member of staff understands how to meet the needs of neurodivergent children.
“By focusing on whole-school development, we’re ensuring that every child benefits from improved support – not just those with identified needs.”
What does the project involve?
Schools are working closely with health professionals, educational psychologists, and parent carer forums to improve how they support children. Staff will receive specialist training from organisations like the Autism Education Trust and Kent Educational Psychology Service, helping them better understand the needs of neurodivergent pupils.
Training covers a wide range of topics, including autism, communication, sensory needs, and inclusive classroom strategies. Schools are also working with speech and language therapists and neurodiversity specialists to strengthen their support.
Schools can also sign up to talks from experts in the field including Dr Chloe Farahar from Aucademy, Paul Dix author of ‘When the Adults Change, Everything Changes’, and Peter Vermeulen, an international autism expert, lecturer and writer.
The Department for Education described the offer in Kent as an “impressive” programme that shows “the art of possible”.
Schools will work closely with health professionals, educational psychologists, and parent carer forums to improve how they support children
What schools say
At the start of their PINS journey is Milton Court Primary Academy and Nursery in Sittingbourne. They have begun looking at ways to improve inclusion by taking on a whole school approach.
Louise Skinner, Assistant Headteacher at Milton Court Primary Academy and Nursery, said: “We are currently at the beginning of the project but so far it has been really interesting.
“Milton Court is in a very deprived area, we have a high pupil premium of nearly 60%, high levels of SEND at over 30%, and we have high number of EHCPs. We have looked at where we need to improve, the things we're doing well, and also the areas our staff need support with the most.
“We are in the process of thinking about speech and language support and how we can take on a whole school approach.”
Also in the early stages of the project is Eastchurch CEP School on the Isle of Sheppey.
Sarah Bone, Head Teacher, said: “We are in the second most deprived area of Kent so our prevailing need is very specific to Sheppey. Speech and language, and emotional regulation are characteristics we are going to focus on.
“We find that sometimes parents can feel judged so we need to find compassionate ways to deal with issues so we can work with them. We are trying to have a better understanding of each other so those conversations between children, parents and staff are all consistent and supportive.”
A day for parents and carers
A free information day for parents and carers is planned for Thursday 16 October at Detling Showground between 10am and 4pm. The day will give parents the chance to meet with professionals, attend workshops and learn more about how to support their children.
There will be a presentation by the Autistic Girls Network as well as talks on supporting disordered eating, and the impact social media can have on a child's mental health and emotional wellbeing
The event is free and open to all parents and carers in Kent. Sign up.
