Kirklees Together

Nine schools across Kirklees have successfully completed of a programme that is helping neurodivergent pupils to feel more supported in the classroom.

We have been working with schools, voluntary and community services, education experts and local parent and carer group PCAN, to deliver Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS).

About PINS

PINS aims to improve attendance and outcomes for all pupils in mainstream primary and infant and junior schools, while helping families feel heard and involved.

The main focus is on meeting the needs of neurodivergent pupils, whether they have a diagnosis or not.

Neurodivergent people think, learn and experience the world in naturally different, but valuable ways. This includes autistic people, people with ADHD and those with other learning differences.

The PINS programme is funded by the Department for Education, supported by the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England.

Working with local schools, partners and parents/carers

Throughout the programme, teachers and school support staff received tailored training to better support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Schools were also encouraged to work together with families to strengthen relationships and gather feedback through events like coffee mornings, workshops and surveys.

Tom Brailsford, Executive Director for Children and Families said:

“It’s fantastic to see another group of schools successfully complete the PINS programme and build on the success of last year.

“Every child deserves to feel supported and included at school.

“The early years of education are vital in helping our children develop the foundations they need for life which is why it’s so important for us to make them feel confident, safe and able to learn.

“I’d like to thank the schools for taking an active part, and to the partnerships between the schools, experts, PCAN and families in Kirklees. Together we can drive real, practical changes that will benefit our children for years to come.

“This achievement is another positive step in our ongoing work to improve support and outcomes for children and young people with SEND across Kirklees.”

Schools completing PINS year two:

• Birkby Junior School
• Spring Grove Junior Infant and Nursery School
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School
• Crossley Fields Junior and Infants School
• Birkenshaw CE (C) Primary School
• Manorfield Infant and Nursery School
• Birdsedge First School
• Batley Parish CE Primary Academy
• Lowerhouses CE Primary School

To mark the successful completion, the schools were each presented with a certificate.

These schools follow 14 others in Kirklees that completed the pilot programme in the previous academic year.

Improving SEND services

The success of the PINS programme over the past two years has provided valuable evidence to help us explore opportunities to expand the programme, and work with more schools as part of the wider SEND reforms.

For more information about SEND services and support in Kirklees, visit our Local Offer website.