Neurodiversity in Schools

What is the project about?

Neurodiversity in Schools is a national project aimed at improving support for neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream schools. It builds on the learning from the Autism in Schools project, widening the focus to explore and embed proactive and preventative approaches that strengthen support across the school environment.

The project focuses on identifying what works well, addressing challenges early, and supporting inclusive practice in partnership with schools, helping to prevent issues from escalating over time.

Neurodiversity in Schools builds on the learning from the Autism in Schools project, which began in 2021, and is now entering its fifth year in 2026. The project reflects an evolution in this work, with a broader neurodiversity focus and continued collaboration with mainstream schools.

Details about where the project will be delivered will be shared soon. Parent/carers at those schools will be able to take part in parent/carer forums, alongside access to free training workshops supported by Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum.

Further information about the schools involved and how to get involved, will be shared shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please email: enquiries@nottspcf.org

The project is funded by the NHS and is an investment in early intervention. It is also a great example of partnership working. A planning team made up of Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (NPCF), ICB members from the Autism & Learning Disability team, and the Communication and Interaction (part of the SEND Inclusion Service in Nottinghamshire County Council), collaboratively design how the project will operate in Nottinghamshire.

What does the project involve?

In Nottinghamshire, the project works with schools in different areas of the county each year, with schools choosing to put themselves forward to be involved.

The project focuses on 3 key areas:

1. Training, development, and support for school staff
2. Parent/carer mini forums which provide peer support and encourage relationship building with the school 
3. Training workshops and signposting for parents

NPCF’s representatives run the parent/carer forum groups held in all the participating schools. These groups are open to parents of children with any kind of additional need, including those without a formal diagnosis.