Schools in Mirfield, Birkenshaw and Batley successfully complete programme to help provide more support for neurodivergent pupils
Nine more schools across Kirklees have successfully completed a programme that is helping neurodivergent pupils to feel more supported in the classroom.
Kirklees Council has been working with schools, voluntary and community services, education experts and local parent and carer group PCAN to deliver the Partnerships for Inclusion of Neurodiversity in Schools (PINS) programme.
The latest schools to complete the programme include Crossley Fields Junior and Infant School in Mirfield, Birkenshaw CE Primary School and Batley Parish CE Primary Academy.
PINS aims to improve attendance and outcomes for all pupils in mainstream primary and infant and junior schools, while helping families feel heard and involved.
Throughout the programme, teachers and school support staff received tailored training to better support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Schools were also encouraged to work together with families to strengthen relationships and gather feedback through events such as coffee mornings, workshops and surveys.
To mark their success, the schools were each presented with a certificate.
These schools follow 14 others in Kirklees who completed the programme in the previous academic year.
Tom Brailsford, Kirklees Council’s executive director for children and families, said: “It’s fantastic to see another group of schools successfully complete the PINS programme and build on the success of last year.
“Every child deserves to feel supported and included at school.
“The early years of education are vital in helping our children develop the foundations they need for life, which is why it’s so important for us to make them feel confident, safe and able to learn.
“I’d like to thank the schools for taking an active part, and to the partnerships between the schools, experts, PCAN and families in Kirklees. Together we can drive real, practical changes that will benefit our children for years to come.
“This achievement is another positive step in our ongoing work to improve support and outcomes for children and young people with SEND across Kirklees.”
The PINS programme is funded by the Department for Education, supported by the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England.
For more information about SEND services or the support available in Kirklees, visit www.kirkleeslocaloffer.org.uk