The Parent SEND Information Day on Thursday 16 October was organised as part of the PINS Project - Partnerships for the Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools – which aims to make schools more inclusive and supportive for neurodivergent children.
Throughout the day, parents and carers took part in interactive workshops covering topics such as supporting children with sleep, disordered eating and masking to name a few. These sessions were led by experienced practitioners and advocates, offering both practical advice and emotional support.
Parents and carers attended workshops throughout the day
From speech and language therapists to SENCos and family support workers, representatives from local services were also available to speak to directly at a variety of stalls to provide information and guidance tailored to a child’s needs.
One dad attended the day with the hope of finding out more about on how to support his six-year-old son who has difficulties with his speech and language. He said: “We mainly came to get some ideas on how we can support him.
“The workshops on ‘understanding your child’s behaviour’, and ‘supporting children who are not yet speaking’ were so helpful. It’s great to have events like this for us to come to.”
Professionals from services such as NELFT were ready to answer parent questions
Another parent said: “There are loads of people to talk to. A man on one of the stalls said he also had additional needs, so I really felt like he understood what I was saying.”
One mum who attended a talk by the Autistic Girls Networks said she was “surprised” at the amount of information on offer.
“It’s inspiring to see so many parents and carers took the opportunity to engage with professionals and workshops that directly address the challenges they face.”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “The PINS Project is a fantastic example of how collaboration can make a real difference in creating inclusive environments for neurodivergent children and I’m proud of the work being done across Kent.
“Events like the Parent SEND Information Day are vital in helping families feel supported, informed and empowered. It’s inspiring to see that so many parents and carers took the opportunity to engage with professionals and take part in workshops that directly address the challenges they face.”
PINS is a national programme that brings specialist health and education professionals into mainstream primary schools.
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.
