PINS Project in Devon Primary Schools
We’re pleased to be entering the second year (2025–26) of the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project in Devon.
PINS builds on the success of the national Autism in Schools project. Following a successful first year in Devon, the programme has been extended with 19 new primary schools joining. Schools from the first year will also continue to develop and embed what they’ve learned.
What is the PINS Project?
PINS brings together health professionals, education specialists, and expert parent carers to work directly with mainstream primary schools. The aim is to improve support for neurodiverse children by:
- Shaping inclusive, whole-school SEND provision
- Supporting early intervention
- Upskilling school staff
- Strengthening partnerships between schools and parent carers
Why This Matters
Assessing and meeting the needs of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is key to improving outcomes, building parental confidence, and creating a sustainable SEND system. This aligns with the national SEND and Alternative Provision (AP) Improvement Plan.
Our Approach in Devon
The Devon PINS model is shaped by the Four Cornerstones:
- Welcome and Care
- Value and Include
- Communicate
- Work in Partnership
It also reflects principles from the Autism in Schools initiative, including:
- A whole-school approach
- High-quality staff training
- Parent-to-parent support groups
- Understanding students’ experiences of school
Focus on Improvement
Each participating school will complete a nationally recognised self-assessment to identify areas for development. This will cover key domains such as:
- Leadership, Culture, and Values
- Mental Health
- Readiness to Learn
- Teaching and Learning
- Environment and Communication
By building knowledge, skills, and supportive environments, PINS aims to improve day-to-day experiences and long-term outcomes for neurodiverse children.
What the PINS Project Offers
The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) project brings together health and education professionals, alongside experienced parent carers, to work within mainstream primary schools.
Together, they aim to:
- Shape inclusive, whole-school SEND provision
- Provide early support and intervention
- Build staff knowledge and confidence
- Strengthen partnerships between schools and families
Focus on Inclusion and Better Outcomes
PINS supports schools to create the right environment for neurodiverse children to thrive. This includes:
- Building staff skills and understanding
- Improving classroom environments
- Developing inclusive practices across the whole school
By focusing on these areas, the project helps schools improve outcomes and day-to-day experiences for neurodiverse pupils.
School Self-Assessment and Improvement
Each participating school will complete a national self-assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This tool looks at key areas such as:
- Leadership, Culture, and Values
- Mental Health
- Readiness to Learn
- Teaching and Learning
- Environment and Communication
The results help schools set clear priorities and track their progress over time.
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