Overview of the programme 

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Partnerships for inclusion of neurodiversity in schools (PINS) is a national programme that brings specialist health and education professionals and expert parent carers into mainstream primary schools to: 

• help shape whole-school special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision

• provide early interventions at a school level

• upskill school staff

• support the strengthening of partnerships between schools and parent carers

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Programme aims

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The PINS programme aims to leave a sustainable impact after the funded period and establish closer collaboration between education and health organisations, including by:

• working collaboratively across professional boundaries

• offering training for non-health staff

• creating environments that facilitate the best outcomes for children and young people

It will support a shift away from the need for diagnosis and more intensive levels of support for individual pupils to focus instead on:

• strengthening knowledge and skills

• improving environments to better meet the needs of all children, but with a particular focus on neurodivergence

This will demonstrate how a supportive learning environment and well-equipped school can improve positive outcomes for neurodivergent children, helping them achieve and thrive.  

The PINS programme tests an innovative model for the effective and efficient deployment of specialist health and education professionals, focusing on supporting neurodivergent pupils. This cohort is a fast-growing group likely to benefit from more inclusive mainstream environments. An equally important strand of the PINS programme is to strengthen parent carer and school partnerships in mainstream education settings. 

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Programme funding and eligibility

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The PINS programme will run until March 2026 and every ICB in England has the opportunity to take part. It is funded by DfE and supported by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHSE. 

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