(UK) Bournemouth: $12.8M for "neurodiverse" school support program

May 29, 2025, Bournemouth Echo: Programme to support children with autism expanded

S. coast of England

A programme to support children with autism, ADHD and dyslexia will be expanded to more schools.

The Partnership for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme, which helps neurodiverse students by training teachers to identify and meet their needs, will be extended for another year across 1,200 more schools.

This is backed by £9.5 million [$12.8M] of government funding.

The programme also aims to improve parental engagement.

It is estimated that one in seven children are neurodiverse and a lack of specialist training and awareness to support them means they often face bullying, higher rates of suspensions due to challenging behaviour, absence and poor mental health.

The PINS programme has been deemed a success in 1,600 primary schools that have previously taken part, with staff reporting increased attendance, improved behaviour, and better pupil wellbeing.

Education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "The impact on life chances when there is a lack of appropriate support for neurodivergent children can be devastating.

"We want a different future for children with SEND: inclusive and tailored to meet their needs, so everyone has the chance to achieve and thrive and excellence is for every child." . . .

Through the PINS programme, specialist education and health professionals provide training to school staff to better identify conditions and access interventions tailored to their specific needs.

Schools are also expected to host termly meetings with parents and carers, allowing them to provide feedback on the school’s approach to supporting children’s needs.

The government has also established a Neurodivergence "task and finish" group, led by Professor Karen Guldberg, which brings together a group of experts to drive understanding of how to improve inclusivity and expertise in mainstream schools, in a way that works for neurodivergent children and young people.