Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS)

Strengthening Inclusion in Coventry Schools with PINS

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“Before PINS, I felt invisible. Now, I feel like a partner.” 

Coventry Parent Carer,  PINS Event

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Following the success of Coventry’s first year delivering the national Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) pilot, the Parent Carer Forum continues the local delivery of this transformative initiative. Funded through the Shared Outcomes Fund and delivered by the Department for Education, NHS England, and the Department for Health and Social Care, the PINS project brings together schools, health professionals, and parent carers to improve inclusion for neurodivergent children and young people.

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In Coventry, PINS supported 16 primary schools during 2024–25, with over 200 parent carers attending 34 engagement events. Feedback from families and educators alike has highlighted the power of honest, supported conversations in creating meaningful change. With a new cohort of up to 12 schools joining the project in 2025–26, selected based on local need and readiness to engage, and supported with tailored facilitator training and planning resources, PINS continues to grow into a movement shaped by real relationships and lived experience.

 

A Personal Introduction

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When you’re navigating the education system with a neurodivergent child, it can feel like you’re constantly having to explain, justify, and fight to be heard. That’s why PINS feels different.

"When I first heard about PINS, I wasn’t sure if my voice would be welcome. But from the first session, I felt seen, not just as a parent, but as someone with something valuable to offer. The conversations we had were honest, emotional, and constructive. It changed how I saw myself, and how I saw school staff, too." Coventry Parent Carer and PINS facilitator

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What PINS Offers in Coventry

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If you're new to PINS or just curious about how it all works, here’s a quick summary of what to expect from the project locally:

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• 12 Coventry schools supported in 2025–26

• Trained facilitators with lived experience as parent carers

• Focus on supporting inclusion for autistic children, those with ADHD, sensory processing differences, and more

• Three co-led events in each school across the year

• Practical, compassionate space for ongoing school-family collaboration

 

Honest Conversations, Shared Understanding

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Each PINS event is designed as an informal, supportive session where everyone’s voice is valued. These gatherings in school or community settings include small-group discussions, whole-room reflections, and opportunities to ask questions in a respectful, facilitated environment.

 

PINS events are safe, supported spaces where families and schools come together to reflect honestly on what’s working and what isn’t. It’s not a box-ticking exercise — it’s about trust, shared insight, and practical actions that lead to lasting change.

 

In one recent session, a parent carer shared how a small classroom adjustment helped their child manage sensory overwhelm. That small change supported their child and sparked a wider shift in how staff approached similar challenges school-wide.

 

“The facilitators made me feel safe. It was the first time I didn’t feel defensive walking into a school.” Coventry Parent Carer,  PINS Event

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“This has helped me speak to my child’s teacher with more confidence.” Coventry Parent Carer,  PINS Event

 

“Facilitating these conversations has changed how I work with schools — it’s built bridges we didn’t know were possible.” Coventry Parent Carer and PINS Facilitator

 

What Schools Say

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Teachers and support staff have reported feeling more connected to families and more confident in how they support neurodivergent pupils. “PINS has opened up a new level of communication between our staff and the families we serve. It's been transformative.” Teacher, Coventry School

 

Why It Matters

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The impact of PINS is felt not only in individual conversations but also in the wider culture of participating schools. Some schools have begun integrating feedback themes into their SEND strategies, adjusting staff training priorities, and creating calmer, more supportive classroom environments. This shift is being captured through surveys, meaningful feedback from parent carers, and collaborative learning at community of practice events.

These reflections help track the ripple effect of change across classrooms, staff teams, and whole-school culture.

They offer powerful evidence that small shifts, like changing how a teacher responds to sensory needs or how a school communicates with families, can have a much broader impact. By listening, learning, and adapting together, schools are starting to rebuild trust with parent carers in meaningful ways. These tangible changes reflect a growing commitment to inclusion beyond the events themselves.

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For many parents, engaging with schools has often been fraught with anxiety or frustration. Through PINS, that’s beginning to change. Families feel welcomed, listened to, and seen — not just as parents but partners.

 

“I felt truly heard for the first time in years. It wasn’t just about my child — it was about being seen as a parent with something to offer.” Coventry Parent Carer,  PINS Event

 

What’s Next

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In 2025–26, the Coventry Parent Carer Forum will continue leading on engagement events, supporting new schools to embed inclusion through partnership. Facilitators will be trained and supported, and insights from last year’s events will shape the approach going forward.  Our aim is for every child in Coventry to feel safe, supported, and understood — and for every parent carer to feel included, respected, and empowered as part of that journey. We also share learning across regions, collaborating with Warwickshire Parent Carer Voice and other national PINS teams to adapt best practices for our local context.

 

Continuing the Journey

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The 16 schools that participated in Year One won’t be left behind. They’ll be invited to continue their journey through Communities of Practice and wider support, helping to embed what’s already been started and to keep learning alongside others. Inclusion isn’t a one-off project — it’s a shared, ongoing commitment, and we’re excited to keep walking alongside these schools as they deepen their practice.

 

Get Involved

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If you're a parent carer who wants to take part — whether that means attending a school event, sharing your story, joining as a facilitator, or simply finding out more — we’d love to hear from you.  Even if you’re unsure where to start, we’ll walk with you. PINS is built on the belief that real change happens when parent carers are included and empowered.  Your voice makes a difference — whether it’s joining an event at your child’s school, becoming a facilitator, completing a feedback form, or simply learning more.

 

We know that speaking up isn't always easy, but every time you do, it opens the door for better understanding, stronger relationships, and real change.

 

Together, we’re not just changing policies — we’re changing experiences.

 

Contact Us:
📧 Pippa: pins@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk
📧 Diane: covpcf@entrustcarepartnership.org.uk
📞 07842 416 955
🌐 www.coventrypcf.org.uk