Integrated Care Northamptonshire - Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)

Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) is a new national programme. It supports the education and health needs of neurodiverse children in primary schools. It achieves this through a partnership approach. It works with the NHS, local authorities, and parent-carer forums.

This PINS project will be piloted to support up to 40 mainstream primary schools. It will operate across North Northamptonshire and West Northamptonshire. The NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) will work with the schools. It will also work in partnership with the parent-carer forums and local authorities. Participating schools will be selected via a formal selection process. This will involve looking levels of need within different areas and within individual schools.

The term, 'neurodiversity' describes how no two brains are completely alike. We all process information and interact with the world differently. The term can be used in the context of neurological or developmental conditions such as:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Learning disabilities
• Specific learning difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dyspraxia

The term 'neurodiversity' means that there is no single 'right' way of thinking or learning.

PINS will bring health and education specialists, and parent-carers into mainstream primary settings. Together, they will:

• Help shape whole school SEND provision
• Provide early interventions at a whole school level
• Upskill school staff
• Support strengthening of partnerships between schools and parent-carers

How will PINS work in Northamptonshire?

ICBs have responsibility for leading PINS. They work with local partners to deliver the programme. The ICB will lead a PINS local project delivery team. This team will support schools and partners with the day-to day running of the programme.

The ICB will be responsible for deciding which schools to work with.

Some schools might already receive support from other mental health programmes. For example, Mental Health Support Teams (MHST) or Targeted Mental Health in Schools (TaMHS). These schools can still be a part of the programme. PINS will ask schools to inform them of  any other programmes that are already in place. There will be evaluation consideration of impact where schools may have a single offer or many.

PINS understands that some schools may not have the capacity to engage. Being a part of this project is entirely voluntary for schools.