Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)

The Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) Programme is a pilot programme designed to support neurodivergent children in mainstream primary schools at the whole-school level. It is needs-led, rather than diagnosis-led, therefore including children without a formal diagnosis. As such, each PINS project supports the needs of all children within a particular school setting, recognising the neurodiverse nature of classrooms.

See below for training and other resources provided to PINS schools.

Introduction to PINS

A series of webinars introducing the PINS programme.

Watch 2025-26 Webinar 1

Watch 2025-26 Webinar 2

Watch 2025-26 Webinar 3

View the 2025-26 webinar slides

Watch the PINS Y2 webinar

PINS Training Session: Embracing Difference

“What's it like to be me”

A session highlighting the voice and experience of children and their parents, led by Sue Swinchin and Monica Wright from Sefton Parent Carer Forum and Vanessa Usai from Cheshire West Parent Carer Forum.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Understanding Needs in the Classroom

A session on understanding neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental conditions in the classroom, presented by Dr Christine Wee.

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Co-Production

Sue Swinchin and Monica Wright from Sefton Parent Carer Forum give us the parent/carer perspective on what good should look like.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Reception Year

Getting off to a good start, presented by Joan Sherry, Cheshire East Autism Team

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Preventative Mental Health Approaches

Presented by Laura Earnshaw from myHappymind.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Getting to the Cause of Behaviour

Presented by Dr Hannah Francis, Educational Psychologist.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Total Communication Approach in Schools

Presented by Nicola Beech and Catherine Toft, Specialist Speech & Language Therapists.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Attachment, Trauma & Neurodiversity

Presented by Lynsey Boggan, Clinical Lead for Neurodevelopmental Services, Alder Hey.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Overview of Sensory Needs & Approaches

Presented by Hayley Peden and Caoimhe Hynes, The Sensory Hive.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)

Presented by Dr Shannon Hatton-Corcoran, Trafford Educational Psychology Service.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: MHSTs & What They Offer

Ross Lawton and Emma Thomason tell us more about Mental Health in Schools Teams (MHSTs) and how they can help. Features lots of useful tips and guidance.

Watch the recording

View the presentation

PINS Training Session: Sleep & Neurodiversity

Presented by Nickie Sutton from Peak Sleep.

View presentation 1: Sleep and Neurodivergence

View presentation 2: How Can Schools Help?

Additional resources:

Autistic Sensory Experiences

Pathological Demand Avoidance and Sleep

PINS Sleep Information Sheet

PINS Training Session: ARFID

Presented by Emily Conway, Specialist Mental Health Practitioner, Alder Hey.