Neurodiversity in Schools
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, which began in Nottinghamshire in 2021. The project has now developed into a broader neurodiversity-focused approach, looking at how schools can strengthen inclusive practice and support children and young people earlier.
The project focuses on identifying what works well, addressing challenges early, and supporting inclusive practice and so helping to prevent issues from escalating over time.
What does the project involve?
In Nottinghamshire, the project is delivered in partnership with Nottinghamshire Parent Carer Forum (NPCF), Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Communication and Interaction Team, which is part of the SEND Inclusion Service.
Together, the project partners help plan how the project works locally and how parent carer voices are included.
The project works with mainstream schools in different areas of Nottinghamshire. Schools choose to put themselves forward to take part.
The project focuses on three key areas:
- training, development, and support for school staff
- parent carer mini forums, which provide peer support and give families a safe space to share experiences with NPCF
- training workshops, information and signposting for parent carers
NPCF runs the parent carer mini forums in participating schools. These groups are open to parent carers of children and young people with any additional need, including those without a formal diagnosis.
The mini forums give parent carers space to connect with others, share experiences and talk about what is working well, what feels difficult and where support could be improved. Feedback from these sessions is shared with schools in an anonymised way, helping schools understand wider parent carer experiences and identify common themes.
How parent carers can get involved
Parent carers at participating schools will be invited to take part in the mini forums and training workshops linked to the project.
If you have any questions about Neurodiversity in Schools, please email:
